Patrik Laine scored three power-play goals to record his 11th career hat trick on Tuesday, leading the host Montreal Canadiens to a 6-1 victory over the slumping Buffalo Sabres.
Laine converted a one-timer off a cross-court pass from captain Nick Suzuki in the first period to become just the second player in Canadiens history (since 1933-34) to score each of his first four goals with the franchise on the power play. Mark Recchi previously accomplished the feat in 1994-95.
Laine also beat Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen with a pair of one-timers just 70 seconds apart midway through the second period. Laine’s 11 career hat tricks are the third-most by a Finnish-born player in NHL history, behind only Hall of Famers Jari Kurri (23) and Teemu Selanne (22).
Juraj Slafkovsky had a goal and an assist, and Joel Armia and Josh Anderson also scored to help Montreal snap a modest two-game losing streak. Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson each had two assists, and Sam Montembeault made 20 saves in the win. Buffalo’s Dylan Cozens scored a goal and Luukkonen allowed six goals on 21 shots before being replaced by James Reimer (six saves).