John Tavares, Auston Matthews and Frederik Gauthier scored three quick goals in the second period and the Toronto Maple Leafs held off the Buffalo Sabres for a 5-3 win.
Tyler Ennis had the eventual winner in Toronto's (38-20-4) four-goal second period and Kasperi Kapanen added some insurance with a short-handed, unassisted goal in the third period.
Matthews is the first player in Maple Leafs history to score 30-plus goals in the first three seasons of his NHL career.
Frederik Andersen made 30 saves for his 100th NHL win for Toronto.
Jack Eichel scored twice for Buffalo (29-25-8), while Sam Reinhart added a goal as the Sabres' playoff hopes took another hit.