It seemed nearly impossible for the Sabres to beat the Maple Leafs Monday.
Buffalo is literally the worst team in the NHL with a 24-40-12 record, a -73 goal differential and 60 points on the season. Toronto sits near the top of the Eastern Conference in a tie for third place, with 97 points and the playoffs very likely on the horizon after the first week of April.
Both teams defied expectations.
A third period rally from the Sabres led the team to a 3-2 victory that ended the Leafs' home winning streak at 13 games. It's the first time Toronto lost at Air Canada Centre since Jan. 22 and the loss kept the team from setting a franchise record for wins in a season.
NHL playoff standings: Predictions, matchups as postseason picture develops
The numbers in this game point in the opposite direction of the score. Toronto had an edge in shots on goal (41-27) and shot attempts (86-41). It's almost miraculous that Buffalo was able to come out with the two points on this one.
Jack Eichel gave the Sabres an early 1-0 lead in the opening period but Nazem Kadri and Patrick Marleau each scored within 71 seconds of one another in the second to put the Leafs ahead by one heading into the final frame.
Casey Nelson's game-tying goal in the third was challenged for goaltender interference but was upheld upon review.
Eichel recorded the go-ahead goal less than two minutes later and it was a wrap, as Buffalo snapped a four-game losing streak and halted Toronto's accolades.
The Leafs are 1-2 against the Sabres in March, after splitting a pair of road games earlier this month. They host the Panthers Wednesday as Florida battles for the second Eastern Conference wild card spot.