2023-12-12 02:38:57
Forward John Tavares amassed the 1,000th point of his career in dramatic fashion on Monday once morest the New York Islanders.
Indeed, Tavares had an assist on Morgan Rielly’s equalizing goal with six seconds left in the third period. The “Isles”, however, won in overtime 4 to 3 thanks to a goal from Bo Horvat.
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The Leafs nevertheless had their little moment to celebrate the feat of their captain. The players were allowed to leave the bench to congratulate the hero of the day on the ice.
“I’m happy that it happened at a very good time for the team,” said Tavares, who described the moment as “unreal” in a press conference following the match. It’s been a great journey so far, a great adventure. I would have liked to celebrate a victory, but I am proud. In a way, I’m glad it’s over and I can now look forward. There will be a time and place to absorb more of it.”
Tavares scored a goal – his first since November 17 – in the second period for his 999th point. Reaching 1,000 once morest the Islanders is pretty special for him, since they were the team that selected him first in the 2009 draft. The Ontarian spent nine seasons on Long Island before accepting the offer from the Maple Leafs, his childhood team.
“It’s pretty incredible,” added Auston Matthews. He is so important to this team, this organization. The story was here [avec les Islanders], the fathers’ journey with his father in the crowd, it’s hard to find a better scenario. Obviously it would have been nice to have the extra point, but we are very happy for him. It’s an incredible achievement, a big moment for him and it deserves to be celebrated.”
Under the boos
At the UBS Arena, Tavares was obviously booed by the hostile crowd, from the first moments of the match. The cries of the spectators also increased in intensity during the celebrations for his 1000th point.
“Obviously the uniqueness of doing it here has to do with the first nine years of my career,” he explained. It’s a big part of who I am. The way this place has impacted my life is special. It’s very unique and cool to do it here.”
It was in his 1054th match that the 33-year-old Ontarian reached this plateau. This season, he has 25 points on his record in as many games.
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