"JT really wants us to re-sign him for more than 8 mil": Leafs nation react as John Tavares' hat trick seals Maple Leafs' 5-3 win over Sabres

By Mohit Pandey

Modified Dec 16, 2024 11:30 GMT

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Tavares scored his 14th career hat trick as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Sabres 5-3 in Sunday's hockey action at Scotiabank Arena. In final year of his $77 million, seven-year contract with the Maple Leafs, the former captain's heroics in battling back from a 3-1 deficit to a 5-3 victory left fans awestruck.

The Maple Leafs, with a record of 19-10-2, delivered a pretty well-rounded performance in their 14th home win this season. 34-year-old John Tavares' second hat trick this season put him on track for a 40-goal season. He previously reached this milestone during the 2018-19 season, his debut year with the Maple Leafs, marking the only time in his 15-year NHL career.

Fans reacted to Tavares' performance:

"JT really wants us to re sign him for more than 8 mil" one fan said.

"J.T. is proving the naysayers wrong! He's done it his entire contract! He's KILLIN it this season", Said a fan.

"Silencing the haters", Said another fan.

As Toronto, under steady presence of John Tavares, is marching towards Stanley cup, some fans are questioning Tavares' omission from Team Canada's roster for the upcoming four Nations Face-Off.

"This the same John Tavares that got snubbed from team canada?", one fan questioned.

"John Tavares not being on Team Canada is a disgrace", exclaimed another fan.

Apart from Tavares, Max Domi, who has been struggling to find the back of the net since October 21, scored his first ever goal in 17 games. Left winger Nicholas Robertson scored the second goal for his team. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Swedish netminder Dennis Hildeby made 24 saves for the Maple Leafs in his third NHL game.

Buffalo's free fall reaches new low in loss against Maple Leafs

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

On Sunday, the Buffalo Sabres (0-7-3) suffered their 10th straight loss against Toronto. The Buffalo's were leading 3-1 at one point before Tavares came up with his best and ensured Sabres' winless streak, which has stretched since their November 23 victory over the Sharks, remains intact.

The only bright spot for Buffalo in Sunday's game was Devon Levi's exemplary goaltending, as he stopped 36 shots. The Buffalo Sabres, currently last on the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division will face the Montreal Canadiens, who sit at the bottom of the same division, in their next game on Tuesday.