When JJ Peterka scored an empty-net goal 14:26 into Tuesday’s third period to complete his first career hat trick, an underwhelming sprinkle of headwear hit the KeyBank Center ice. That’s because much of the crowd had already discarded their hats 11 minutes prior as Tage Thompson secured a three-goal night of his own,

Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka each recorded a hat trick and an assist to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 7-2 win over the visiting Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.

Lindy Ruff hasn’t asked Tage Thompson if he’s still dealing with the bothersome injury that forced him to move from center to right wing earlier this month.