Tavares registers 14th career hat trick, Maple Leafs roar back to down Sabres

John Tavares scored twice as part of a second-period outburst and added an empty netter for his 14th career hat trick as the Toronto Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 deficit to pick up a 5-3 victory over Buffalo on Sunday that heaped more misery on the hapless Sabres.

Max Domi and Nick Robertson added a goal and an assist each for Toronto (19-10-2). Bobby McMann chipped in two assists.

Toronto trailed 3-1 in the second period before Robertson made it 3-2. Tavares buried his first of the night 1:21 later and then added another — his 14th of the season — 70 seconds after that for a 4-3 lead as the Leafs scored three times in 2:31.

Domi’s first goal of the season came in his 23rd appearance. The 29-year-old forward also missed seven contests with a lower-body injury.

Dennis Hildeby made 24 saves in his third career NHL start after being recalled from the American Hockey League with Anthony Stolarz out injured. 

Jack Quinn, with two, and Alex Tuch replied for Buffalo (11-16-4), which led 2-0 and 3-1 with both teams playing the second half of a back-to-back. JJ Peterka had two assists.

Devon Levi stopped 36 shots for the Sabres, who fell to 0-7-3 over their last 10 games. 

Buffalo hasn’t won since picking up a 4-2 road victory over the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 23.

Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz was placed on injured reserve before the game. The 30-year-old goaltender appeared to suffer a right leg injury during Thursday’s 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Stolarz is eligible to return to the lineup Friday when the Leafs visit Buffalo.

The Maple Leafs travel to Dallas for a showdown with the Stars on Wednesday.