Tavares Leads The Leafs Over Buffalo

AM800-Sports-NHL-Toronto Maple Leafs-John Tavares-September 21-2018-1.8453237 TORONTO,ON - SEPTEMBER 21: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) (Claus Andersen/John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL preseason game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images))

John Tavares scored twice in his first game in Toronto

John Tavares scored his first two goals on home ice with the Maple Leafs as Toronto defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-3 in preseason play on Friday night.

Ron Hainsey, Pierre Engvall and Chris Mueller also scored for the Leafs. Curtis McElhinney stopped all 20 shots he faced after replacing Garret Sparks, who made nine saves, midway through the second period at the newly-named Scotiabank Arena.

Linus Ullmark made 27 saves in taking the loss.

The teams will play an exhibition rematch Saturday night in Buffalo.