Rasmus Dahlin Hat Trick Powers Sabres Past Maple Leafs in High Scoring Atlantic Division Clash

Toronto — In a breaking update Tuesday night, Rasmus Dahlin delivered the first hat trick of his NHL career and added two assists as the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 7 to 4, a result that further shifted the latest timeline in the Atlantic Division playoff race.

Dahlin controlled the game from the blue line, producing five points and driving offense at even strength and on the power play. The performance marked one of the most productive nights by a defenseman in franchise history and underscored Dahlin’s continued emergence as one of the league’s elite two way players.

Buffalo received additional scoring from Tage Thompson, who recorded a goal and an assist while appearing in his 500th NHL game. Alex Tuch and Jack Quinn also found the net as the Sabres extended their winning streak to four games and continued a strong midseason surge that has tightened the standings in the division.

Goaltending became a storyline early when Ukko Pekka Luukkonen exited in the first period with a lower body injury after allowing two goals on five shots. Devon Levi entered in relief and stabilized play the rest of the way, finishing with 16 saves. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson contributed three assists, reflecting Buffalo’s balanced puck movement and depth scoring.

Toronto countered with offensive production from its top forwards. Auston Matthews and Max Domi each posted a goal and two assists, while Bobby McMann added a goal and an assist and Matthew Knies also scored. Joseph Woll made 24 saves, but the Maple Leafs struggled defensively during extended stretches of the game.

The loss capped a difficult homestand for Toronto, which finished 0 4 1 over five games and has dropped 7 of its last 8 overall. Entering the night already chasing a playoff position, the defeat further complicated the outlook as the club prepares for an extended road trip. From a season impact perspective, defensive consistency and secondary scoring remain areas requiring immediate correction.

Before puck drop, the Maple Leafs honored franchise legend Darryl Sittler in a ceremony marking 50 years since his NHL record 10 point game in 1976, providing historical context on a night that contrasted past dominance with present challenges.

What this means for Buffalo is continued momentum and confidence as the team pushes deeper into the playoff conversation behind improved health, elite play from its core, and growing defensive structure. The outlook will hinge on Luukkonen’s medical evaluation, as his availability carries significant roster and performance implications moving forward.

Next steps see the Sabres hosting the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, while the Maple Leafs travel to Seattle to face the Kraken in the opener of a six game road trip that could define their postseason trajectory.