Lupul’s Hat Trick Sends Leafs Past Devils 5-3

Joffrey Lupul had three goals in a wild second period, his first hat trick in almost four years, to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs past the New Jersey Devils 5-3 on Wednesday night.

Lupul scored three times in a span of 7:22 against Martin Brodeur, who returned to the ice after missing six games with a bruised right shoulder. Joey Crabb and Mihkail Grabovski also had goals for the Maple Leafs.

The last time Lupul scored three goals in a game was Dec. 12, 2007, when he had six points for the Philadelphia Flyers against Pittsburgh. He scored four goals in a Western Conference playoff game for Anaheim on May 10, 2006.

Phil Kessel padded his NHL scoring lead with two assists for Toronto (8-3-1).