TORONTO -- Miroslav Satan is waiting to hear that he's been traded.
Satan, who expects to be dealt before the NHL deadline Tuesday, had a goal and two assists as the Sabres remained undefeated against the Maple Leafs this season with a 5-1 victory Saturday night.
After scoring a shorthanded goal on a breakaway midway through the third period, Satan took his right hand out of his glove and pretended to be talking on a phone.
"I've been told that I should expect a phone call," Satan said. "Every time I hear the phone ringing these days I get that feeling. It's in my subconscious mind lately."
The Sabres, who have won two straight following a four-game losing streak, moved within six points of the New York Islanders and the eighth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
"It was the best all-around game we've had this season," Satan said. "Beating a team like Toronto means a lot to this group of guys. It gives us a little bit of hope. If we keep playing like this maybe we can still be in the race."
Martin Biron made 32 saves for the Sabres, 3-0-1 against the Maple Leafs.
Darcy Tucker scored the lone goal for the Maple Leafs, who had won three straight.
Toronto's Ed Belfour, plagued recently by a sore back, allowed three goals in the first period. Buffalo outshot Toronto 17-6 in the opening 20 minutes, reversing the Maple Leafs' recent trend of strong starts.
Toronto coach Pat Quinn wasn't happy with his defense.
"You can't give them good marks tonight," said Quinn, who might change the defensive pairings.
Defenseman Brian Leetch, acquired Wednesday from the New York Rangers, assisted on Tucker's goal, giving him four assists in two games with Toronto.
Derek Roy redirected Maxim Afinogenov's pass past Belfour at 5:41 of the first, and gave Buffalo a 2-0 lead at 12:34 after Belfour failed to clear the puck past him.
Daniel Briere, standing at the side of the net, made it 3-0 at 15:05 of the period by putting a rebound past Belfour.
Tucker scored on a two-man advantage at 6:40 of the second, but Brian Campbell scored on a 2-on-1, giving Buffalo a 4-1 lead midway through the second.
Notes
- Referee Eric Furlatt left the game after getting his nose bloodied by a clearing attempt in the first. He returned for the third period.
- Toronto forward Joe Nieuwendyk missed the game because of back spasms.
- Belfour hasn't been practicing because of his sore back.
- Belfour stopped 52 of 56 shots in Toronto's three previous games.
- Buffalo rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-4 victory over Toronto on Feb. 14.
- Roy has five goals this season.
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