For a while there, the Maple Leafs' MVP debate was an easy one.



Frederik Andersen carried a team that had obvious defensive issues for months, winning games his teammates had no business taking two points out of. His numbers — wins, save percentage, shutouts — all keep rising, to the point a Vezina nomination was at least plausible.



Of late, however, his numbers have sagged. And Auston Matthews' comeback from injury has been something else.



It's been a reminder of who is this franchise's best player.



The Sabres laid down and died on Monday, but Matthews and William Nylander picking them apart in the 5-2 win was pretty to watch nonetheless. By the end of the night, both had two goals and an assist. Their power-play unit — which has struggled to produce this season — came alive, too. (Jonas will have more on that in the morning.)



So the Leafs' push to stay ready for the playoffs through these quasi-exhibition games to...