For a few minutes, Buffalo Sabers fans believed in a form of redemption. But in the space of 2:31 in the second period, all hopes were gone like snow in the sun.
The Sabers let a two-goal lead slip away, only to suffer a tenth straight loss, a 5-3 misstep against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday.
Trailing 3-1, Craig Berube’s men scored three consecutive goals before the end of the middle period to break the Sabres’ momentum.
John Tavares was the spark plug in the victory with a hat trick. He notably hit the target twice in 70 seconds to tie the game and give the Maple Leafs the lead for the first time in the game. His first goal of the game was the 64th of his career on the power play.
He completed his feat with an empty-net goal. This is his 14th career hat trick.
William Nylander had an assist on Tavares’ first goal, extending his point streak against the Sabers to ten games.
Nicholas Robertson scored once and had an assist. The other was the work of Max Domi, who scored his first of the season.
Bobby McMann had two assists for Toronto (19-10-2).
For the Sabres, who have one point more than the Montreal Canadiens in the standings, Jack Quinn counted twice. Alex Tuch has the other. Quinn and Tuch scored in a span of 2:46 to start the game to give the Sabers a 2-0 lead. It was the fastest goals to start a game for them in almost a year.
In net for the Maple Leafs, Dennis Hildeby faced 26 shots in his third career NHL start after being recalled from the American League while Anthony Stolarz is injured.
Freshly recalled, goalkeeper Devon Levi conceded four times on 40 shots.
Fortunately for the Sabres, the game was presented in Toronto. Buffalo hasn’t won since a 4-2 road victory over the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 23.
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