On most nights in the National Hockey League, a Hatty by any player, let alone one of the league’s top players, meant a considerable chance of victory. The sheer skill of superstar Auston Matthews was on display as he scored his third hat trick tonight, bringing his total to 11 for the season after just 13 games.
The Maple Leafs opened the scoring when Mitchell Marner scored his 4th of the season just past 12 minutes in the first period. The Sabres would tie the game more than four minutes later off the stick of JJ Peterka on the powerplay. Owen Power and Victor Olofsson assisted him.
Tage Thompson gave Buffalo their first lead early in the second frame. The goal came unassisted while the Sabres were on the penalty kill.
Matthews would tie the score with his 9th of the season while on the powerplay. Not just 0:34 seconds later, Sabres forward Jeff Skinner notched his 6th of the season, helping his team claim the lead for a second time at 3-2. The lone assist went to the rookie blueliner Ryan Johnson. It was the first point of his career.
Toronto’s Auston Matthews scored his second and 10th of the season just 0:17 seconds into the third to tie the game at three apiece.
The game took another unexpected turn when Jordan Greenway scored his second of the season, giving his team their third lead. The assists from Casey Mittelstadt and JJ Peterka added to the surprise, as the Sabres took a 4-3 lead.
Matthews, determined to make a difference, scored his 11th of the season and his 3rd goal of the game, earning the coveted hat trick. With the game tied at 4-4, Alex Tuch’s go-ahead goal and empty netter sealed the victory, showcasing the players’ unwavering determination.
Final shots on goal favored the Sabres 41-28. Rookie netminder Devon Levi made 37 saves, earning his second win of the season.
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