Tavares scores hat-trick as Maple Leafs beat Oilers 6-3

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Tavares shines in Toronto's victory

John Tavares was unstoppable on Tuesday night, scoring three goals and adding an assist to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 6-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Arena. The Maple Leafs captain scored twice in the first period and completed his hat-trick in the third, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd. He also set up Auston Matthews for his 25th goal of the season in the second period.

Oilers struggle to contain Leafs' offense

The Oilers had no answer for the Leafs' high-powered offense, which scored six goals on 32 shots. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal and an assist for Edmonton, but they were outplayed by their Toronto counterparts. The Oilers also gave up two power-play goals and a shorthanded goal, while failing to convert on their own man-advantage opportunities. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for Edmonton, which fell to second place in the Pacific Division.

What's next for both teams?

The Maple Leafs and the Oilers will face each other again on Thursday night in Toronto, in the second game of their three-game season series. The Leafs will look to extend their lead atop the Atlantic Division, while the Oilers will try to bounce back and regain their momentum. Both teams are expected to start their backup goaltenders, with Jack Campbell for Toronto and Mikko Koskinen for Edmonton.