Tipster profile image
Stefan Tonev
twitter iconlikedin icon
Sports Editor authorBadge
Last Updated:

3 min read

O’Reilly’ hat trick lifts Maple Leafs past Sabres
google news logo Follow us
Add comment
Ilya Samsonov made 29 saves, O'Reilly finished with five-points for the first time in his career

Newcomer Ryan O’Reilly, who was acquired last week, scored a hat trick, including two goals on Toronto’s first two shots, to inspire the Maple Leafs to a 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.

The forward, who is from Ontario, said he’s trying to help the franchise win the Stanley Cup since 1967, let alone a Stanley Cup Playoff series since 2004.

O’Reilly, playing his third game in four nights since being acquired from St. Louis, netted 37 seconds apart in the opening period and the Maple Leafs led 4-0 on goals in a span of 8:18 in front of 18,641 spectators at KeyBank Center.

O’Reilly, who spent two seasons playing for the Sabres before being traded to St. Louis in July 2018, added two assists and sealed the win with the first five-point outing of his career by scoring into an empty-net goal with 1:10 remaining — and after the Sabres scored three times to cut Toronto’s lead to 5-3.

In earning their 78th point, the Maple Leafs (35-15-8) matched a franchise record for points through their first 58 games of a season and set last year, when they were 37-16-5.

O’Reilly’s new linemates got in on the fun, with captain John Tavares, who has been nudged to left wing, scoring and adding three assists.

Mitchell Marner set up career-high five goals. Michael Bunting and William Nylander also scored, and Ilya Samsonov made 29 saves.

Alex Tuch, with the 100th goal of his career, Jack Quinn and Jeff Skinner scored for Buffalo.

The Maple Leafs host the Minnesota Wild on Friday before departing for a five-game trip. The Sabres travel to play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.

YouTube player