Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares stepped into the fountain of youth on Sunday night, leading the team over the Buffalo Sabres with a natural hat trick. It’s been an excellent season for the 34-year-old, with 15 goals and 28 points in 30 games so far, and it seems like he’s taken the passing of the captaincy torch in stride. He’s on pace for what would be his second 40-goal season, and while it’s not guaranteed he stays on that pace for the rest of the season, it’s been a nice resurgence from his ‘down-year’ last season that saw him finish with 28 goals and 65 points.
Tavares scored each of the Maple Leafs’ last three goals to help them to a win over the Sabres, tipping a shot in for the game-tying goal, unleashing a hot wrister for the game-winner, and finishing the job of his hat trick with an empty netter to seal the deal. Max Domi, who opened the scoring with his long-awaited first goal of the season, raved about Tavares’ professionalism while talking to reporters after the game.
“He’s the ultimate pro, man,” Domi told media postgame. “He’s a huge part of this team, has been for a long time now. We all love Johnny, really happy for him, he’s come up clutch over and over again his whole career, just gotta keep building and help him out.”
Until the Maple Leafs put together a significant playoff run, Tavares’ overtime goal in Game 6 of the first round in 2023 will be his biggest moment as a Leaf. He’s no stranger to scoring clutch goals, showing up under bright lights for both the New York Islanders and Team Canada throughout the course of his career, but scoring the goal to snap a 19-year first-round drought is one of the biggest accolades you can have as a Leaf.
Nick Robertson, who scored a well-timed goal of his own, also spoke highly of Tavares’ presence and performance so far in 2024-25.
“It’s been great,” Robertson said. “He’s obviously had a great season so far. The way he prepares for a game and executes plays…he’s one of our best players.”
Tavares, humble as he always is, credited his good night to the team around him and said that he’s happy with his performance so long as it’s helping the team get wins.
“I’m just playing,” Tavares said with a smile in the postgame scrum. “I think I’ve got a lot of belief in my game and what I can do, whether that’s scoring or just making an impact all over the ice. So, continue to help this team as best as I can offensively, my whole life I’ve been able to produce consistently and score goals, just want to continue to do that when the chances present themselves.”
Head coach Craig Berube gave his alternate captain his flowers as well, citing his work ethic and continued drive to get better every day despite his age.
“This guy’s heavy, thick, smart, competitive,” Berube had no shortage of adjectives to call him, “I mean, he works at his game constantly, even at this age, and he’s still doing a great job. You know, it’s great to see him. He’s been excellent for us all year.”
The Maple Leafs retain first place in the Atlantic Division with a two-point lead over the Florida Panthers and will be back in action on Wednesday night when they visit the Dallas Stars. Tavares, who just became the oldest Maple Leaf to score a natural hat trick, will look to continue his consistent production with help from his teammates.
“Playing on a team like we have and the players we have, you know, they make so many good plays and put you in so many good spots. So, great to get rewarded.”
