Phil Kessel scores 2 more goals, Maple Leafs defeat Buffalo 5-4 in preseason game

Kessel scores 2, Maple Leafs top Sabres 5-4

TORONTO — Phil Kessel scored two goals to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-4 preseason victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night.

Kessel has netted four goals in three preseason games. He also had another that was incorrectly waved off in overtime on Friday. He has quickly found chemistry with linemates Tyler Bozak and Kris Versteeg.

The Toronto lineup that dressed Monday was quite similar to the one that will take the ice for the regular-season opener on Oct. 7 against Montreal.

Nikolai Kulemin also had two goals, and Christian Hanson added one for Toronto (3-2-1).

Nathan Gerbe scored twice, and Drew Stafford and Jordan Leopold also had goals for the Sabres (1-1-0).