Tavares has rediscovered the magic he showed during his first season in Toronto
After a two-goal performance Saturday night on the road against the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares is now leading the team in points. Tavares has turned back the clock, seemingly showing flashes of himself in his prime. It's safe to say Tavares has found his game again since returning from a preseason oblique injury and teammates have taken notice. Wayne Simmonds emphasized this in his post-game comments, applauding Tavares' scorching-hot start.
Tavares, playing in his fourteenth NHL season, now has seven points in six games to start the 2022-23 NHL season. The Tavares and Nylander connection has been phenomenal through the first six games, as Nylander himself extended his point streak to four games as well. Tavares has been elite in front of the net, in tight, and capitalizing on his opportunities. His contribution on the second line has been a crucial part of the Maple Leafs' early season victories, and he has looked like a completely rejuvenated player. Furthermore, Tavares seems like a man on a mission. Ever since the Leafs' early season losses to the Montreal Canadians and Arizona Coyotes, he's led by example in getting his team back on the right track.
When comparing Tavares to other elite centers in the league, the list is short regarding who may be better in close, as a leader, and an all-around superstar. Many have been quick to write off Tavares as he enters the later stages of his long-term contract with the Maple Leafs. But rather than showing regression, Tavares has shown progression. If he manages to keep this pace, Tavares could potentially replicate the level of success he experienced in his first season in Toronto. Tavares has only been a point-per-game scorer in one season with the Maple Leafs and three times with the New York Islanders, but he has been close a number of times as well.
For anyone still questioning if Tavares still has it in him to be the player he once was, he proved it last season when he had 76 points in 79 games and he looks to be motivated to continue on that path this season. This is Tavares' best start to a season in a Leafs uniform since his first year with the Leafs. It's no secret that Tavares is the complete package. He's not only a near point-per-game player over his entire career, but he has a history of elevating his linemates and making them better.
Now at full health, he has looked much more comfortable agility-wise. His grind, getting dirty in the corners, hard-working, playmaking mentality has corresponded with his early season play. Tavares is a force to be reckoned with and a completely different animal this year. If he can stay healthy, he could be a real difference-maker in the Leafs' lineup.
Next up, the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night.
Credit: hockeydb.com
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 23 | 200 ANSWERS Tavares has rediscovered the magic he showed during his first season in Toronto Will Tavares replicate his 88 points in 82 games from back in 2018-19? | ||
| Yes | 100 | 50 % |
| No | 54 | 27 % |
| He'll hit 90 points this year | 46 | 23 % |
| List of polls | ||
