Fans react as Jake McCabe knocks out Alex Tuch with a punch, following controversial hit on Bowen Byram

Toronto Maple leaves Defender Jake McCabe was at the center of controversy on Saturday night. McCabe tied Buffalo Sabers defenseman Bowen Byram during the first period of the Maple Leafs-Sabres tilt at Scotiabank Arena.

When Byram entered the Leafs zone, McCabe got on him. Although Byram appeared to be fine, fans were outraged by the on-ice officials' non-call. Sabers forward Alex Tuch then responded to the hit, challenging McCabe. But the Maple Leafs defenseman hit Tuch with a single. This situation caused a backlash from fans on social media.

Here's a look at what fans had to say about the play:

“Dirty hit, the refs show their loyalty to Toronto once again, etc., etc.,” one fan wrote on X.

“A dirty check to the head,” said this fan.

“1000% an elbow to the head, but hey, hometown Toronto,” said another fan.

Meanwhile, other fans questioned the role of the officials in the play. Here's what they had to say:

“NHL is a joke. Sabers ended with penalty,” a fan commented on social networks.

“This league is so broken,” that fan he remarked

“That's questionable,” another fan published in X.

Byram looked good after the hit. The 24-year-old blue skated for 18 minutes on the night. As for Alex Tuch, he ended up with a bruised ego.

Jake McCabe earns the point in the Maple Leafs win

When the action settled down on the ice, the Toronto Maple Leafs got a much-needed win. Jake McCabe picked up an assist, and John Tavares and Matthew Knies each had two points in the game.

Tavares led the way with the game-winning goal on a breakaway in overtime. Tavares buried the puck home after a pass from Knies. Tavares beat Sabers forward Tage Thompson on the break. Tavares proceeded to set up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for his 499th career goal.

As for Jake McCabeassisted on Dakota Joshua's tying goal midway through the third period. The Sabers were leading 3-2 and looked poised to close out the game. But a solid shift saw Leafs defensemen Jake McCabe and Brandon Carlo move the puck. Joshua took a pass and made a fine move to score his second goal in as many games.

The Leafs picked up two crucial points to keep pace in the Atlantic Division standings. They are now in a three-way tie with the Sabers and Ottawa Senators with nine points each.