The Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The Toronto Maple Leafs, meanwhile, have known their disappointing fate much longer.

The Buffalo Sabres look to keep their very slim postseason chances alive Wednesday night as they seek a fifth straight win over the rival Toronto Maple Leafs.

GAME: Buffalo Sabres (38-32-4-5) at Toronto Maple Leafs (33-34-6-7)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, April 08 - 7:30 PM EST
LINE: -150, 130 TOTAL: 6
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Oddsmakers currently have the Sabres listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Maple Leafs, while the game's total is sitting at 6.

Just two years removed from a franchise record-tying 113 points, Buffalo (38-32-9) dropped to 90 points last season and will need to win its final three games to surpass that total this year.

The Sabres also need to win their final three games to have any chance at reaching the playoffs. They also must hope the New York Rangers lose their final two contests and Florida earns no better than three points in its last two games.

A recent 4-0-1 stretch kept Buffalo's hopes alive but consecutive losses could prove too much to overcome for Lindy Ruff's team. A late third-period goal by Paul Gaustad was all the offense the Sabres could muster Monday in a 4-1 home loss to Detroit.

At least the Sabres will be playing an opponent they've had success against this season.

Buffalo has outscored Toronto 18-5 during four straight wins since losing the first meeting this season. The Sabres have won five in a row and nine of their last 11 visits to Air Canada Centre.

Miller is 4-1-0 with a 1.40 goals-against average and one shutout, while Jason Pominville and Drew Stafford each have seven points this season versus Toronto (33-34-13).

The Maple Leafs are assured of missing the playoffs for a franchise-record fourth consecutive season and need to win their final two games to match their 83 points from 2007-08.

After allowing 14 goals in their last two contests - both losses - the Leafs got an outstanding 47-save performance from Martin Gerber in a 4-1 victory at Atlantic Division-leading New Jersey on Tuesday.

Christian Hanson, the son of former hockey player-turned-actor Dave Hanson of "Slap Shot" fame, capped a three-goal first period with the first of his NHL career as Toronto won for the second time in six games despite being outshot 48-18.

Gerber has not faced the Sabres this season but is 4-0-2 with a 2.58 GAA in his last six starts against them - all with Ottawa.
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