Power scores in overtime as Sabres rally past Leafs 5-4; Tavares leaves game early

In a thrilling overtime victory, Buffalo Sabres' Owen Power scored the game-winning goal as they edged out the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4. The Sabres managed to outscore the Maple Leafs 4-3 in the third period, with Dennis Gilbert and Mattias Samuelsson scoring the tying goals. Jack Quinn contributed two goals for Buffalo, while Mattias Samuelsson netted one in the third period.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 26 saves for the winning team, securing a 5-4 victory for the Sabres. Kirill Marchenko scored a career-high hat trick and became the fifth player in NHL history to do so in his 300th game. Marchenko's performance marked his transition from the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he only scored once before moving to Toronto on September 28.

Auston Matthews opened the scoring for Toronto, followed by John Tavares adding two assists. However, the Maple Leafs struggled defensively, with Buffalo capitalizing on their sloppy puck handling. Nick Blankenburg's giveaway in the first period led to Quinn's first goal for Buffalo.

Tavares was replaced early in the third period after colliding with Buffalo forward Josh Norris, possibly suffering a left leg injury. The Sabres took advantage of Tavares' absence on the second line. Despite Marchenko's hat trick, Toronto's special teams proved to be their strength, killing all three penalties and improving their power play success rate to 29.2 per cent.

Looking ahead, the Sabres will face the Montreal Canadiens, while Toronto will host the New York Islanders.