The First Niagara Center was electric Friday night. It was the first Buffalo Sabres game with interim coach Ted Nolan behind the bench. Plus, there was a large contingent of Toronto Maple Leafs fans in the building. It was a successful start under the new coach as the Sabres beat the Maple Leafs 3 to 1.
Steve Manson of Western New York Hockey Magazine says this week's shake-up that also included the appointment of Pat LaFontaine as president of hockey operations has fans excited.
"This town is just fired up about hockey again," said Manson
For the first time this season, the Sabres out-shot an opponent in the first period, which ended in a scoreless tie.
Toronto struck first in the second period, but Buffalo responded a few minutes later on a pretty goal by Captain Steve Ott. Marcus Foligno put the Sabres ahead later in the second.
An empty net goal with just seconds left in the game wrapped up the scoring.
Goalie Ryan Miller recorded 32 saves.