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NHL: Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn

HC Craig Berube makes his feelings extremely clear about $77,000,000 Maple Leafs forward after hat-trick in comeback win

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube praised John Tavares after his hat-trick in the 5-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. The Leafs were down 3-2 in the second period when Tavares took charge.

Tavares scored three back-to-back goals over two periods. First, he tied the game at 3-3 with a power-play tip-in at 12:41 in the second period before putting Toronto 4-3 ahead with a wrist shot at 13:51. In the third, Tavares sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 17:48, bringing his total to 15 goals for the season.

“He just keeps working. I don’t know what to tell you." Berube said about Tavares. "This guy has a heavy stick. He is smart and competitive. He works at his game constantly, even at this age. He is still doing a great job. It is great to see. He has been excellent for us all year.”

Tavares, who signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with the Maple Leafs in 2018, is in the final year of his deal. He gave up his captaincy to allow Auston Matthews to take over. Tavares is now eligible for a contract extension.

Tavares has scored 13 assists this season, totaling 28 points in 30 games. Over his career, he has 471 goals and 597 assists in 1,139 games. He was drafted first overall by the New York Islanders in 2009. Tavares has been a key player for the Maple Leafs since joining in 2018, thanks to his leadership and consistency.


Former Maple Leafs captain John Tavares reflects on his performance

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a 19-10-2 record on the season. They are first in the Atlantic Division with 40 points following their win over the Buffalo Sabres. John Tavares was happy with his performance and the team's win.

He said that he wants to continue helping the team by scoring when the chances come.

“I’m just playing,” Tavares said per the NHL.com, “I think I’ve got a lot of belief in my game and what I can do, whether that is scoring or just making an impact all over the ice.
"So just continue to help this team as best I can. My whole life I’ve been able to produce offensively, score goals, and just want to continue to do that when those chances present themselves.”

Tavares and Co. next play the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.

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