Stripping John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs captaincy is one of the stupidest and most annoying things to ever happen to a franchise that basically specializes in that brand.
This is the first home-town superstar to ever fulfill the fantasies of literally generations of Toronto Maple Leafs hockey fans who hoped that one day a top player from here would decide to return to play here. Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Connor McDavid, Eric Lindros, Steven Stamkos, Paul Coffey, and both Brett and Bobby Hull headline the list of Ontario born superstars who never played for the Leafs (in their primes).
That's only like four of the best seven players to ever live (Howe, Lemieux and Crosby are notably not from Ontario). So, personally, the fact that John Tavares chose to come home and play here, at the peak of his abilities and at the first chance he had, means that he can do no wrong and should have been captain for as long as he wants to be.
Frankly, I think it's disrespectful not to have already re-signed him, regardless of what the appetite for chance might be if the Leafs blow it this spring, again. So having established John Tavares as an all-time great member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and one who isn't quite getting the respect he deserves, let's talk about last night.
John Tavares, the Leafs Real Captain, steps up with legendary performance
You could forgive the Leafs if they laid an egg last night, as it was their third game in four night and their fourth in six. and even their sixth in eight - with the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the schedule is compressed and kind of crazy right now.
But they didn't lay an egg, they played awesome. Or specifically, John Tavares played awesome. Rewarding me for drafting him in my hockey pool and sticking with him all year, Tavares finished the game with a bonkers stat line: 2 goals, 1 assist, 4 shots, 78% Expected Goals at 5v5 and dangerous chances were 7-2 Leafs when JT was on the ice.
Not only did Tavares score three points and lead the Leafs to victory, but after the Ranger tied it in the second period, Tavares scored just three minutes later to re-take the lead. It was his 1100th career point, and it was glorious.
Stolarz was good, Nylander was great (600th point) with a nearly 100% xGoals rating after being on the ice for four 5v5 goals and Matthews was also quietly pretty great.
This version of the Leafs can go very far. Matthews is going to score in most games, but if Tavares and Nylander play like this, they could go pretty far. The only negative about last night is the continued awful play of the bottom six and the third pairing. The top of the Leafs lineup is great, and I think Berube should spread the talent around a bit better, but otherwise, that was nearly perfect game.
John Tavares is a legend, let's start acting like it.