Watch: John Tavares scores a filthy goal in hat-trick effort

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares. Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Maple Leafs' John Tavares scores a filthy goal in hat-trick effort vs. Flyers

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Nov 2, 2022 10:43 PM ET

Amid whispers of a career downswing, Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares quieted his critics in a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night.

Tavares posted a four-point night in the victory, including his 11th career hat trick.

Past the midway point of the third period, with the Leafs leading by just a goal, Tavares scored a filthy highlight-reel goal, helping Toronto pull away.

JOHHHHNNNNY BOOOOOYYY!!!!! pic.twitter.com/DMUsyNw4fC
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 3, 2022

Tavares scored his first of the night in the opening period, breaking a 1-1 tie with a slap-shot goal off the post with just over a minute to go before intermission.

JOHHHHNNNNNY!! pic.twitter.com/agi5Lz1dg0
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 2, 2022

Late in the third, Tavares netted his third of the night, tallying a power-play goal off a nice turnaround shot from the slot, sealing the victory for the Leafs.

LET THOSE HATS FLY!!!! pic.twitter.com/iW09HAtF1F
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 3, 2022

It's a breakout game for Tavares, who nearly doubled his season total in goals on Wednesday night. The 32-year-old entered the game with four goals through 10 games.

Tavares now leads the Maple Leafs in points with 14 (7 goals, 7 assists).

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

More must-reads: