Auston Matthews blown away by 32-year-old John Tavares putting the team on his back against the Flyers
After an astonishing four-point night that was capped off by a hat trick, it's safe to say John Tavares had himself a night. Teammate Auston Matthews took notice of his extraordinary play, noting his leadership was key to the team's success Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Tavares, who is off to a scorching hot start this season, paved the way to a Toronto Maple Leafs victory, breaking the team's four-game losing streak. In his fourteenth season, Tavares now has a tally of 14 points through 11 games and leads the team in scoring. Not to mention, Tavares already has 7 goals this season, whereas two years prior, he had a total of 19, and last year 27.
Although it's early, Tavares has been one of the only highs for the team on the season to this point. Most certainly, Tavares has been the Leafs' best player over these first eleven games, and he does not seem to be slowing down. In tonight's game, he seemed to have a nose for the net, putting three past Flyers goaltender Felix Sandstrom, two of them coming just under three minutes apart.
Tavares' game was highlighted by an unbelievable goal coming at the 12:42 mark of the third period. He attacked the offensive zone and made defenseman Travis Sanheim look completely lost before scoring his second of the night.
At this moment in time, Tavares is on pace to be a point-per-game player this year. As he was in October, Tavares could be a crucial difference-maker for the Maple Leafs lineup down the line. For a team who is not in a relatively good position right now, Tavares could be the X-factor in turning this team around through not only his play but his leadership.
Tavares and the Maple Leafs look to build off their win against the Flyers when the rival Boston Bruins come to town on Saturday night.
Credit: hockeydb.com
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 3 | 144 ANSWERS Auston Matthews blown away by 32-year-old John Tavares putting the team on his back against the Flyers Is John Tavares the best player on the team so far this year? | ||
| Yes | 120 | 83.3 % |
| No, it's still Auston | 15 | 10.4 % |
| No, it's Mitch | 5 | 3.5 % |
| No, it's Willy | 4 | 2.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
