John Tavares is popping again the clock and making a powerful case for being the Toronto Maple Leafs’ most impactful participant this season. In an exciting 4-3 additional time comeback in opposition to the Washington Capitals, Tavares was the hero, scoring two objectives, including an help, and securing the game-winning tally in additional time.
The beginning he’s having to this season has led individuals to ask if eradicating the captaincy may need been one of the best factor that might have occurred to him.
? LEAFS WIN ?
John Tavares scores to finish the comeback for the @MapleLeafs in @Energizer additional time! pic.twitter.com/xDLyMQH5mC
— NHL (@NHL) November 14, 2024
At 34 years previous, Tavares has gotten off to an unbelievable begin this season. His play continues to silence critics who mentioned it was apparent that he ought to now not be the captain and the glory must be given to Auston Matthews. These individuals may need been proper, however not as a result of Tavares’ play didn’t earn him the title.
Proving he nonetheless can step up and clutch when wanted, the numbers communicate for themselves: he’s on tempo for a formidable 43-goal season. Nick DeSouza identified that his 5-on-5 affect is plain, with the Leafs producing 56.37% of the shot makes an attempt when he’s on the ice (115-89 in photographs) and outscoring opponents 12-6. These metrics spotlight simply how dominant he’s been in driving play and creating alternatives for his workforce.
Tavares Has Re-Energized With out The “C” for Maple Leafs
For the reason that captaincy change, some have speculated that Tavares is taking part in with newfound freedom. Sans the strain of being the official workforce chief, he’s targeted purely on his recreation—and it exhibits. His impressed play has made a tangible distinction in essential moments, as seen in his 77th profession game-winning objective, tying him with Patrick Kane for sixth-most amongst energetic skaters.
Or, maybe Tavares feels he has some extent to show. He stepped apart and an actual skilled at hand the letter over to Matthews, however as a competitor, it needed to sting. He could possibly be taking part in with a way of “I’ll present you.” No matter it’s, Tavares is taking part in effectively. Arguably higher than he has in a while.
The Maple Leafs’ additional time win consists of an enormous save from Joseph Woll on Alexander Ovechkin that allowed for the Tavares’ winner. Tavares mirrored on the gritty win, saying: “We discovered a approach to stick with it and earn the 2 factors, with some large saves by Joe, particularly in additional time proper earlier than I scored.”
Subsequent: May Ryan O’Reilly Return to the Maple Leafs?
