Maple Leafs’ John Tavares discusses need to keep competing in midst of lost season

Tavares was part of why the game remained close, scoring his first even-strength goal in 18 games on a play where he bested Jaccob Slavin.

“Felt like I had a little bit of space and didn’t try to separate a whole lot, honestly. Just tried to stay into his body. You know how good his feet and especially his stick is, just tried to jam him a little bit if that makes any sense,” he said to reporters after the game about his goal. “ Then just try to take the ice I had there towards the net and give it a chance. Worst case creates a rebound or another opportunity. I was able to sneak in, so nice to see it go in.”

While there was certainly enough offence to keep the Leafs in the contest, Tavares felt part of the issue was that the team took too many penalties, keeping them out of rhythm. The lack of ability to string things together throughout a game consistently has been a recurring theme for much of the season, which is why they find themselves within striking distance of a top-five pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.

Tavares has been through situations like this where the team is slugging through the home stretch of a lost season, and he stated that the best thing everyone can do is keep fighting to the end.

“I think, first and foremost, is how you can keep contributing to the team and us to build what we can. Find momentum, wanna play good hockey, and continue to compete.  Never quit and give in,” he said. “ Within that individually,  you get an opportunity to play in the National Hockey League.  You never take it for granted.  You want to go out there and play well,  and you want your game to look like your game. Continuously to strive for that, play hard and play well, and want to continue to have a feeling we’re celebrating after a hard-fought win. There’s nothing much better than that in the league.”

While wins from here on out will be difficult to come by for the Leafs, that doesn’t mean there can’t be joy found playing in games against teams that are trying to qualify for the playoffs. They are back in action on Saturday when they head to the nation’s capital to take on the streaking Ottawa Senators.

Given the history between these two clubs which included a playoff matchup last year, Tavares feels it will be a good opportunity for him and the Leafs to compete.

“ I want to continue to bring that competitiveness, that emotion, and enjoyment and excitement of getting to play in the National Hockey League and certainly playing the Battle of Ontario,” he said. “ Should be a good atmosphere, always great battles with them, and obviously both fan bases really getting into it. So it should be a lot of fun.”

PRESENTED BY SUNWING VACATIONS