Tavares leads Maple Leafs to 5-3 win over Sabers – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabers brought a fierce showdown to fans, with the Maple Leafs winning 6-4. It was a game that featured great performances from both sides, but John Tavares stole the show with a hat trick, including the empty-net goal that sealed the victory in the final seconds.

First quarter: Maple Leafs trail but start to comeback

The Sabers came out strong, scoring first just two minutes into the game. Alex Tuch's wrist shot went past the Maple Leafs goalie with assists from Zach Benson and Tage Thompson. Buffalo took advantage of their momentum, scoring at 1:03 from Jack Quinn on assists from JJ Peterka and Bowen Byram One ball.

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Toronto responded late in the game with a wrist shot from Max Domi at 15:45. Nicholas Robertson and Bobby McMahon both had assists. As soon as the game started, the third line began to show a strong chemical reaction. Unlike previous games, Toronto's depth players are on the scene. The score was 2-1 Buffalo after 20 minutes.

Second quarter: Maple Leafs offense explodes

The second frame belonged to the Maple Leafs, who scored three unanswered goals in a dramatic two-and-a-half-minute span. John Tavares got a wrist shot at 13:51 on a charge set up by Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson The ball equalized the score. Less than a minute later, Tavares launched another power play, this time assisting Auston Matthews and William Nylander for tip-ins.

At 11 minutes and 20 seconds, Nicholas Robertson scored a beautiful wrist shot with another assist from McMahon and Domi, and the game continued to heat up. Robertson is in the game and playing with a newfound confidence. He was a big contributor to the offense throughout the game. Buffalo came back late in the game with Jack Quinn's second goal at 9:11 to cut Toronto's lead to one. Quinn was assisted by Peterka and Matthias Samuelsson. After 40 minutes, Toronto led 4-3.

Phase 3: Tavares reaches agreement with Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs kept their composure down the stretch, holding off Buffalo's attempt to tie the game. At 17 minutes and 48 seconds, with assists from Matthew Nass and Mitch Marner, Tavares completed his hat trick with an empty goal. Interestingly, this was Marner's only score of the game.

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The final moments of the game were filled with drama. Toronto awarded a penalty kick to Tanev for the hook. By that point, however, the Maple Leafs defense and goaltending were up to the task and held on for the win. The final score of the game was 5-3 Toronto.

Buffalo's struggles continue, Jake Quinn highlights

Despite a strong effort from Jack Quinn, the Sabers extended their winning streak to 10 games (0-7-3). Quinn scored twice and looked dangerous throughout. His second goal came late in the third quarter, ending his 16-game scoring drought and giving Buffalo a glimmer of hope. JJ Peterka also had two assists, showing his organizational skills.

However, the Sabers struggled to maintain the momentum in the first quarter and only had intermittent offensive opportunities. Devon Levi faced 36 shots and stopped several dangerous chances. In the end, he couldn't defeat the Toronto Raptors' onslaught. Buffalo's defensive missteps, especially in the second quarter, proved costly. Toronto scored three goals in just 2 minutes and 31 seconds to erase the deficit.

The struggles continue for the Sabers, who travel to Montreal to face the Canadiens on Tuesday. The Sabers are still looking for their first win since Nov. 23.

Maple Leaf’s Main Harvest

First, Tavares is in great shape. The former Maple Leafs captain scored a hat trick and excelled in clutch situations. Secondly, the Maple Leafs made a change and gained depth contributions. Robertson, Domi and McMahon all played key roles, combining for five points. Their performance showcased the depth the team needs to win this season. Domi's first goal of the season came in his 23rd game. The 29-year-old forward also missed seven games with a lower-body injury.

In the end, the Maple Leafs special teams made the difference. Toronto's power play was sharp, and Tavares' second goal proved why their personnel advantage can be one of the best in the NHL. The Maple Leafs will travel to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. Maybe the two Robertson brothers (Nicholas and Jason) will get a chance against each other.