John Tavares Calls Out Maple Leafs For Having More Than They're Showing This Season
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski - Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs may lead the Atlantic Division, but former captain John Tavares has called out the team, saying they have more to give this season.
After dropping their 3rd game in 4 attempts, the Toronto Maple Leafs don't want to use any excuses despite running into some top notch goaltending, injuries ravaging their team from all positions, and being without their former MVP and Rocket Richard winner.
Yet through it all, the Maple Leafs sit atop the Atlantic Division - albeit in a tie - with 46 points alongside the Florida Panthers, who own an identical record through 37 games.
Former captain John Tavares believes the team can still reach a different level of play, which he believes has alluded them in recent weeks as reported by Sportsnet's Luke Fox.
"Looking at it from a little bit of a bigger picture, I think we got a little bit more (to give). We got to be more consistent. I think that's maybe why we're a little bit on the wrong side of it here over the last maybe four or five games," Tavares said, following Saturday's loss at home.
"Our execution can be a little bit better, and our pace can just be a little bit better."
"Our execution can be a little bit better, and our pace can just be a little bit better."
William Nylander chimed in as well, as he hopes they can find their consistency once again despite playing well for the majority of games
"We have some lapses sometimes that we can't have. The majority of the game, we're playing good."
They weathered the storm early on when Joseph Woll was sidelined, they've done a good enough job without Auston Matthews who has been sidelined twice with lengthy absences, and they also dealt with injuries in some form to players like Max Pacioretty, Max Domi, and Matthew Knies.
Now they can add Anthony Stolarz to the list after the goaltender was recently given a 4-6 week timeline to return. Their play without Stolarz has been rather abysmal in between the pipes as they own a .869 SV% and a 3.88 GAA in the 8 games since his departure and it has played a major part in their recent slide.
Another prime example came this past Saturday when Logan Thompson played his heart out and the Maple Leafs were undone by great goaltending once again.
However, whether it's who is between the pipes for the opposition or the injuries, the 2024-25 Maple Leafs are much different than their previous counterparts and are not looking to make any excuses.
"Goalies are going to play well. They're gonna have a hot hand. You tip your cap to that," Tavares said.
"But we want to be able to find a way to break through and do what we need to do to earn the result that we need."
"But we want to be able to find a way to break through and do what we need to do to earn the result that we need."
Their next chance to bounce back comes on Tuesday afternoon when they welcome the New York Islanders for the second time in 10 days before they finish out the 3-game season series on Thursday in Long Island.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 30 | 2265 ANSWERS John Tavares Calls Out Maple Leafs For Having More Than They're Showing This Season Do you believe injuries have cost the Toronto Maple Leafs a better position in the standings? | ||
| Yes, they've lost important players all season | 1637 | 72.3 % |
| No, all teams endure injuries | 628 | 27.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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