Bozak's 3rd-period hat trick propels Maple Leafs to dominant win over Avalanche

Tyler Bozak exploded for three third-period goals as he helped the Toronto Maple Leafs crush the Colorado Avalanche 7-4 on Monday.

Leo Komarov got things started for the Maple Leafs. scoring the team's first goal to knot the game at 1-1 before collecting an assist on Joffrey Lupul's ninth of the season. Komarov later scored his second of the night and 15th of the season.

Related: VIDEO: Komarov gift-wraps goal for Lupul with nifty pass

The teams skated to a 3-3 score after 40 minutes before Bozak carried the torch the rest of the way, recording his second hat trick of the calendar year. Defenseman Jake Gardiner also had a career night by tallying four assists.

Semyon Varlamov looked less than human in this contest, giving up six goals on 21 shots after being named the NHL's first star last week. Jack Skille led the way offensively for the Avalanche, picking up a pair of goals in the loss.

Despite conceding four goals, Jonathan Bernier collected his second win of the season and second in as many starts making 24 saves on 28 shots.

The loss snaps Colorado's five-game win streak, while Toronto's victory gives the Maple Leafs a run of 4-0-2 in their last six.