TORONTO – John Tavares scored twice in a second-period explosion and added an empty-netter for his 14th career hat trick as the Toronto Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 deficit to win a 5-3 win over Buffalo on Sunday. this added even more misery to the hapless Sabres.
Max Domi and Nick Robertson added a goal and an assist each for Toronto (19-10-2). Bobby McMann had two assists.
Dennis Hildeby made 24 saves in his third career NHL start after being recalled from the American Hockey League while Anthony Stolarz was injured.
Jack Quinn, with two, and Alex Tuch answered for Buffalo (11-16-4), which led 2-0 and 3-1, with both teams playing the second half of a back-to-back game. JJ Peterka had two assists.
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Devon Levi stopped 36 shots for the Sabres, who fell to 0-7-3 in their last 10 games.
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Buffalo hasn’t won since a 4-2 road victory over the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 23.
TAKE AWAY
Leafs: Stolarz was placed on injured reserve before the game. The 30-year-old goaltender appeared to suffer a right leg injury during Thursday’s 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Stolarz is eligible to return to the lineup Friday when the Leafs visit Buffalo.
Sabres: Quinn ended a 16-game drought dating back to October 26. After five straight healthy games before Sunday, the 23-year-old forward’s only goal before playing at Scotiabank Arena was an empty-netter on Oct. 26 against the Detroit Red Wings.
KEY MOMENT
Toronto trailed 3-1 in the second period before Robertson made it 3-2. Tavares buried his first of the night 1:21 later, then added another – his 14th of the season – 70 seconds later for a 4-3 lead as the Leafs scored three times in 2:31.
KEY STATUS
Domi’s first goal of the season came in his 23rd appearance. The 29-year-old forward also missed seven games with a lower body injury.
FOLLOWING
Maple Leafs: Visit the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.
Sabres: Visit the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 15, 2024.
© 2024 The Canadian Press