The Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Seattle Kraken 5-1 Thursday.
The Toronto Maple Leafs lone goal scorer in that game came from their Captain, John Tavares.
Normally a goal from a player who is as talented as Tavares is would not get much notice, especially even more so in a blowout loss such as this, but this goal put him in the top 100 all-time.
With his 407th career goal, Tavares tied Marion Gaborik for 100th on the NHL’s goal scoring list. (Quanthockey.com).
In 988 games played, Tavares has now scored 407 goals, good for a 0.412 goals per game average. Mats Sundin, who is the greatest Leafs player of all time, has 564 goals in 1346 games played, which works out to 0.419 goals per game.
If the current Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs continues at the same pace he has averaged throughout his illustrious HHOF worthy career, he will pass the greatest Captain of the modern day era in just over four years. I really hope he is still sporting the Blue and White colours of the best team in the NHL at that time. Even better if he is still Captain.
Other Toronto Maple Leafs Recent And Upcoming Milestones
On January 23, 2023, another Toronto Maple Leafs milestone was reached.
Although, again, somewhat blemished by another loss, this time in overtime against the St. Louis Blues, Auston Matthews, the soon to be greatest Leafs player of all time, tallied his 500th career point in only his 445th game.
This officially makes him the fastest player to don the Blue and White to reach that milestone. It was an assist to linemate William Nylander (more on him soon). Later in the same game, not to be outdone, Matthews potted one of his own and walked out of the arena with his 501st point as well.
Mitch Marner, the other MVP and Hart trophy candidate on this team, and soon to be second greatest Leafs player of all time, has 499 points in only 466 games played. With a little luck, and a little help from his friends, Marner should be able to reach that milestone in tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
As we all remember, Marner had that incredible 23 game points streak earlier in the season, another Leafs record, and as a result, has rocketed up the all time points list for the Leafs.
And finally, who can forget the best looking Leafs player of all time, William Nylander, having a career year himself. With his team leading 22 goals and 45 points in 39 games, Nylander looks set to smash his career best 34 goals and 80 points set last year.
The most alienating player on the Leafs, it seems like ever since the ceremonies celebrating the life of Borje Salming, a fire has been lit in the handsome hunks belly, turning him into a scoring machine.
At this point, the Toronto Maple Leafs look set to repeat their record breaking performance of last year, along with all the individual milestones and accomplishments that go with it.
Fans of the Blue and White should be excited knowing they have the opportunity to watch the soon to be two greatest Leafs players of all time in their primes, along with two other superstars, making this team a guaranteed cup contender that is due to win a playoff round or two.
In fact, they are so overdue, that it wouldn’t surprise me if they win the cup itself this year. a fan can only dream.