Buffalo Sabres Captain Rasmus Dahlin Nets First Career Hat Trick

Sabres extend winning streak to 4 games with 7-4 victory over Maple Leafs

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:47am

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Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin had a career night, scoring his first career hat trick and adding two assists to lead the Sabres to a 7-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The victory extends the Sabres' winning streak to 4 games and keeps them in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Why it matters

The Sabres have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years, but this season they are firmly in the mix, currently sitting in 3rd place in the Atlantic Division. Dahlin's breakout performance is a positive sign that the team's young core is developing and could help end the Sabres' long playoff drought.

The details

Rasmus Dahlin scored 3 goals and added 2 assists in the Sabres' 7-4 win over the Maple Leafs. His hat trick was the first of his 5-year NHL career. The victory keeps the Sabres 6 points ahead of the Florida Panthers in the race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

  • The game was played on January 27, 2026.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

The 24-year-old captain of the Buffalo Sabres, who scored his first career hat trick in the game.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Sabres, who has been criticized in the past for focusing more on the Buffalo Bills than the Sabres.

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What’s next

The Sabres will look to continue their winning ways and solidify their playoff position as the season progresses.

The takeaway

Rasmus Dahlin's breakout performance is a positive sign for the Sabres, who are in the midst of a playoff push. If the team's young core can continue to develop and produce, the Sabres may finally end their long playoff drought this season.