CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — William Nylander had three goals for his second career hat trick, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a decisive 6-3 win over the Calgary Flames on February 4, 2025. This victory not only showcased Nylander's scoring prowess but also allowed the Maple Leafs to inch closer to the top of the Atlantic Division.
Nylander, who was born in Calgary, marked the eighth anniversary of his first hat trick by scoring his goals at the arena where his father once played. "Born here and scoring my second career hat trick eight years after my first one is pretty wild," said Nylander after the game, reflecting on the emotional significance of his achievement.
Joining Nylander on the score sheet were John Tavares, Bobby McMann, and Matthew Knies, all of whom contributed to what was the Leafs' sixth game this season where they scored at least six goals. Tavares, who had just returned to the lineup, and Nylander were instrumental in the team's offense, with Tavares assisting on one of Nylander's goals.
The game commenced with both teams having their initial goals disallowed. Tavares had his goal waved off for high-sticking, and soon after, Farabee's potential goal was overturned after Toronto challenged for goaltender interference. Nevertheless, the Leafs quickly found their rhythm, scoring two power-play goals early.
The turning point of the match occurred when McMann broke the 2-2 tie with his 16th goal of the season, shooting it past Calgary's rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf during the second period. This goal provided Toronto with the lead it would maintain.
Auston Matthews, playing his 600th NHL game, provided three assists, showcasing his playmaking ability. Matthews' presence was particularly important as star forward Mitch Marner missed his first game of the season due to injury. Even with Marner's absence, the Leafs' power play was effective, finishing 2-for-4 against the Flames.
The Flames, impressed by Nylander's performance, also had success with their power play, scoring twice on five opportunities, thanks to goals from Matt Coronato and Yegor Sharangovich. It was evident, though, as head coach Ryan Huska pointed out, the Flames struggled with unforced errors, which allowed the Leafs to capitalize on several odd-man rushes.
"I thought we forced offense and we got ourselves in trouble because of...unforced errors," Huska reflected on the team's performance. The Flames need to stick to their identity, relying on grinding plays rather than getting swept up in high-octane play, especially against top teams like the Maple Leafs.
Calgary, who began the night two points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks for the second wild card spot, will need to shore up their discipline moving forward. Having taken four minor penalties during the game, their burgeoning penalty kill unit—after showing improvement—regressed against Toronto's electric power play.
For the Maple Leafs, Nylander's hat trick brought his total to 33 goals this season, which ranks him second overall in the NHL behind only Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl. His scoring ability has been on full display lately as he reached nine goals over his last eight games.
The final goal of the evening was scored by Nylander, who sealed the victory with just 44 seconds remaining on the clock, muscling the puck away to score on the empty net. “He’s got a lethal shot, we all know...that last goal was...a good job by him with the goalie out. Sealed the game,” remarked Leafs coach Craig Berube, praising Nylander’s performance.
Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs will face the Seattle Kraken next, hoping to continue their winning momentum, whereas the Flames will host the Colorado Avalanche, seeking to reset their approach following the disappointing loss. The matchup against the Leafs has undoubtedly provided valuable learning moments for the Flames as they aim to solidify their playoff positioning.