In a standout performance, Conor Timmins, the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman hailing from St. Catharines, Ont., showcased his skills by notching two goals and contributing two assists, leading his team to a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres during a pre-season clash in St. Thomas, Ont.
Sam Lafferty added to the Leafs’ success with a short-handed goal and an assist, while Maxi Domi and Kyle Clifford also found the back of the net. Matthew Knies contributed with a pair of assists, further bolstering Toronto’s preseason record to 1-1-1.
Buffalo’s defensemen Jeremy Davies and Henri Jokiharju managed to score goals for their team, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the impressive performance by Timmins and the Maple Leafs.
Timmins, at just 25 years old, has been a standout player in the preseason, amassing a total of two goals and four assists in only two games. It’s worth noting that Domi, a recent addition to the Maple Leafs, celebrated his first goal wearing the team’s colors after signing with them in July.
Martin Jones
Toronto’s goaltender thwarted 10 of the 12 shots he faced during the game.
Uukko-Pekka Luukkonen stood tall for Buffalo, turning aside 25 of 28 shots over two periods, before Michael Houser stepped in and made nine saves on 11 shots.
At 2:18 of the third period, Clifford skillfully redirected a cross-ice pass from Timmins past Houser to extend Toronto’s lead to 4-2.
Buffalo found their second goal of the game at 16:42 of the second period when Jokiharju’s point shot ricocheted off the post and into the net.
The Maple Leafs had already secured a 3-1 lead by the 14:06 mark, with Domi exiting the penalty box after serving a high-sticking minor to receive a pass from Timmins and capitalize on a breakaway opportunity.
