Team assigns 11 to Rochester prior to game

ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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BUFFALO — The home team lost the game, but hockey fans saw a winner on the ice as the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs combined for 10 goals, three fights and pre-season hockey that looked — and felt — a lot like regular season hockey.

Despite out-shooting the Leafs 38-22, and getting on the board first, the Sabres couldn't stay up with Toronto and lost 6-4.

Chris Stewart opened the scoring 8:33 into the first period, getting a backhand shot past goalie James Reimer. Less than 90 seconds later, at 9:58, the Maple Leafs tied it on a Roman Polak snap shot past Michael Neuvirth. Phaneuf and Drew Stafford each got five for fighting at 10:27 of the period — the first of the night's three fights. The Leafs went ahead with a goal by Tyler Bozak at 15:21, and took a 3-1 lead with a Dion Phaneuf goal less than a 43 seconds later. Stewart scored again at 18:03, bringing the Sabres within a goal.

In the second period, Toronto's Leo Komarov made it 4-2 with a wrist shot past Neuvirth at 2:05. Jake McCabe scored for the blue and gold with a wrist shot at 3:16, making it 4-3 Toronto. Toronto's Sam Carrick and Buffalo's Stewart got fighting major's at 5:59 of the period. David Clarkson put one in with 1:42 remaining in the period: 5-3 Toronto.

Period three saw Toronto's David Clarkson in a fight with Cody McCormick just prior to the two-minute mark. Josh Leivo put Toronto up 6-3 at 9:47 of the period. McCormick made it 6-4 with a slapshot at 18:34 of the game.

Prior to the game, the Sabres announced that they assigned 11 players to the Rochester Americans (AHL) and have returned two players to their respective junior clubs. The Sabres’ training camp roster is now at 38 players: 21 forwards, 12 defensemen and five goaltenders.

The following players have been assigned to Rochester: Forwards Luke Adam (pending waivers), William Carrier, Dan Catenacci, Colin Jacobs, Justin Kea, Jordan Samuels-Thomas, Kevin Sundher and Phil Varone; Defensemen Brady Austin, Jerome Leduc and Chad Ruhwedel.

The following players were returned to their junior clubs: Forwards Justin Bailey (Kitchener, OHL) and Brendan Lemieux (Barrie, OHL).

The Sabres play the Leafs again at 7 p.m. Sunday in Toronto.

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