(Sports Network) - The Toronto Maple Leafs resume what has been a good homestand so far when the Buffalo Sabres invade the Air Canada Centre tonight for a battle between Northeast Division rivals.

After beginning its current five-game residency with a one-goal loss to the New York Islanders on February 13, Toronto has rebounded with back-to-back home wins over Boston and Columbus. In their most recent time out, the Maple Leafs scored three times in the first period en route to a 3-1 victory over the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.

Nik Antropov, Carlo Colaiacovo and Chad Kilger had the early goals to back up an outstanding effort by Toronto goaltender Vesa Toskala, who turned aside 26- of-27 shots.

The Maple Leafs, who stand 14th out of the 15 Eastern Conference clubs with 59 points, will be shooting for their first three-game win streak since January 15-19 tonight.

Toronto has now won seven of its last 10 at the Air Canada Centre and brings a 15-11-5 home mark into tonight's tilt. The Leafs complete this homestand Saturday versus Atlanta.

Buffalo heads into this matchup off last night's thrilling comeback victory over Tampa Bay, a win fueled by a stellar individual performance by Thomas Vanek. The left wing scored three consecutive late goals, including the game- winner in overtime, to propel the Sabres to a 4-3 decision.

Vanek pulled Buffalo within 3-2 when he beat Lightning netminder Johan Holmqvist with 2:21 remaining in the third period, then tied the contest just 36 seconds later. The standout forward completed his second hat trick of the season when he rammed home a perfect feed from Jaroslav Spacek past Holmqvist 2:25 into the extra session.

Tim Connolly compiled three assists and Derek Roy finished with a goal and an assist to help the Sabres halt a two-game losing streak.

Vanek now has racked up 10 goals over his last seven games and leads the Sabres with 25 on the season.

With the win, Buffalo was able to forge a three-way tie for the final playoff berths in the East. The Sabres, Philadelphia, and Boston each have 66 points and are currently tied for the seventh seed.

Buffalo comes in with a 13-14-5 season road record. Following tonight's matchup, the Sabres begin a five-game homestand when the New York Rangers visit HSBC Arena on Saturday.

These divisional foes have split four previous meetings in 2007-08, with Toronto winning the lone encounter held at the Air Canada Centre. Buffalo has lost in both of its last two visits to Toronto but has won four of its six most recent tests as the visitor in this series.