NHL scores 2017: Sabres demand your attention after demoralizing the Maple Leafs

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Sabres in the mirror are closer than they appear.

The Leafs and their rivals from Buffalo have been trending in opposite directions for a week or so now. Their matchup on Saturday night sure felt like an inevitable crossroads. A chance for the Sabres to enhance the pressure on their wild card foes, and a chance for the Leafs to reverse-thrust, halt their rival’s momentum and rocket back into the playoff race for good.

As usual these days, Toronto helped decide the outcome quite early.

Buffalo roared ahead to a three-goal lead in the first period and didn’t look back. It was the fifth time this season the Leafs surrendered three or more goals in the first period, and it reaffirmed what the Sabres are coming to believe about themselves: They’re strong, feisty, and capable of hanging with the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference.

The resurgence of Evander Kane and the emergence of Rasmus Ristolainen give Buffalo the confidence it needs to walk into a division rival’s building on “Hockey Night in Canada” and punch them square in the jaw when the puck drops.

Still five points back of the Leafs for the wild card, the Sabres have a lot of work to do. But the first step to starting such a run is convincing yourself you’re up for the challenge.

The Sabres look pretty persuasive right now.

Bruins 4, Canucks 3

Senators 3, Islanders 0

Stars 5, Hurricanes 2

Blues 4, Canadiens 2

Lightning 4, Jets 1

Capitals 6, Ducks 4

Blackhawks 4, Oilers 1

Coyotes 4, Penguins 3 (OT)

Sabres 3, Maple Leafs 1

Rangers 4, Avalanche 2

Blue Jackets 2, Red Wings 1

Panthers 7, Predators 4

Flyers 2, Sharks 1

1. Henrik Lundqvist can feel like a rookie again

The King of New York’s net has endured a rough season of benchings, inconsistency and injury. But he still felt like a loved kid goalie when the city first welcomed him so many years ago.

With a win over Colorado at home, Lundqvist became the fastest NHL goalie to reach 400 wins and the first European goalie to hit that milestone. It was a great moment, and a wonderful reminder of the once-in-a-generational talent we’re witnessing even as the 34-year-old’s career slowly creeps to a close.

2. Jonathan Drouin is a speed demon

He literally skated circles around the Jets.

3. Capitals add some fire to their streak

So, the Capitals won for the 12th consecutive time on home ice on Saturday. And, yes, they scored more than five goals for the billionth time in a row (actual stat!). But they flashed an edgier side with their usual flashiness; Daniel Winnik’s bout with Corey Perry sent a message that the Capitals are not only firing on all cylinders, but they’ll pull the car over to defend themselves at a moment’s notice.

Craig Anderson returned to the Ottawa Senators’ net for the first time since Dec. 5. In the interim, Anderson spent time with his wife, Nicholle, as she underwent treatments for a rare form of cancer. With Nicholle back home, Anderson finally got a start again on Saturday. As Nicholle pointed out, it was a much-needed return to normalcy for the family.

Anderson finished with a shutout win and a standing ovation from his teammates and home crowd.