posted March 23, 2007 at 18:17 EST in NHL Free Picks

The Maple Leafs currently sit two points out of eighth place in the East, and are looking to punch their ticket to the post season. There is no better litmus test than going up against the Sabres, who have a stranglehold on the top spot in the conference. Defenseman Tomas Kaberle returns to help manage the blue-line for Toronto as they visit the Sabres in Buffalo.

Toronto is coming off a big win against the slumping New Jersey Devils, but remain 1-4 SU in their last five road games. Kaberle’s return to the line-up will help an already productive powerplay that has scored one goal in the past three games. The Leafs may be underdogs in this game, but they have already won in Buffalo twice this year.

 

Buffalo’s 3-2 record over the past five games is misleading. Two of those wins were over Washington and Florida, while they narrowly beat Tampa Bay. The two losses came against Pittsburgh and Atlanta. While Toronto is not the same caliber as those two teams, they are certainly stepping up their big play against big name teams.

Toronto has wins over Tampa Bay, Ottawa and New Jersey in their past five games. Though their recent road record may be seen as a red flag, Mats Sundin and the boys understand the playoff position they have put themselves in. Look for the dogs to have bite tonight, and bet on Toronto to upset the top seed.

Toronto Maple Leafs (35-28-10) vs. Buffalo Sabres (47-19-7)

Friday, March 23rd --- HSBC Arena, Buffalo --- 8:00pm EST

Free NHL Pick: Toronto 4 Buffalo 3

Result: Toronto 4 Buffalo 5

This week: 6-2

This season: 44-33

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