In a triumphant return to the NHL, Matt Murray made 25 saves in his first start in nearly 21 months, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 6-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on December 20, 2024.

His teammates praised Murray for his determination and ability to inspire, recognizing the hard work he put into his year-long recovery.

The Maple Leafs showcased a strong offensive performance, with contributions from Max Domi, Bobby McMann, and Nicholas Robertson, each scoring a goal and an assist.

Buffalo's current struggles have now reached 0-9-3, reflecting a significant downturn for the team.

Murray's start came after being recalled from the minors to fill in for Anthony Stolarz, who is sidelined for four to six weeks due to knee surgery.

Key moments in the game included two disallowed goals for Buffalo, which shifted the momentum in favor of the Maple Leafs.

After the game, Murray expressed a wave of emotion, reflecting on the challenges he faced during his rehabilitation process.

Murray's comeback followed extensive rehabilitation after bilateral hip surgery, a journey he described as a challenging 'mountain to climb' that tested his mental resilience.

Other goal scorers for Toronto included Auston Matthews, Max Pacioretty, and William Nylander, emphasizing the team's balanced attack.

With this loss, the Sabres extended their winless streak to 12 games, matching their fifth-longest skid in franchise history.

In goal for Buffalo, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped nine shots before being replaced by James Reimer, who allowed one goal on 15 shots.

Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs will host the New York Islanders on December 21, 2024, while the Sabres will visit the Boston Bruins.