John Tavares Finally Calls Out the Leafs' Start: 'We Haven't Met Our Standard'
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was honest when mentioning the team hasn't been up to their usual standards, but believes there's no reason to worry yet.
Coming into Saturday night's game against Boston, the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking to make another statement after a three-game win streak that showcased a lot more of the team we have come to expect.
However, things got off to a rocky start and Toronto was unable to weather the Bruins storm, leading to Anthony Stolarz being pulled for the first time in his Maple Leafs career, and giving the team a 5-3 loss and setting them back a bit.
For Maple Leafs forward John Tavares, he's done his absolute best to keep the team on track, and added another goal to his already star-studded resume; reaching goal #502 and counting.
Tavares Acknowledges the Maple Leafs Haven't Met Their Early-Season Standard
But the loss was something he was none too pleased about and post-game was honest in his observation of how the team has played thus far.
Tavares is certainly hopeful, however did admit that the Maple Leafs haven't been playing consistently up to their potential:
I don't think we're in a horrible spot, but certainly I don't think we've maintained the level of play that we expect and what our standard is, (we've not been) as consistent as we'd like to be at the start of the season. No reason for panic.
There's certainly no reason to panic, and the team has turned things around since the start of the season however there are still a few issues.
Why John Tavares Still Says There's 'No Reason for Panic'
The depth scoring hasn't been as great as hoped, and the combination of Dakota Joshua, Max Domi, and Bobby McMann have eight total goals; Calle Jarnkrok has half of that alone.
Thankfully guys like Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson have picked things up, but it's still something they need to improve on.
Plus, they just can't stay healthy for whatever reason. Scott Laughton left Saturday's game after just returning, echoing nearly the exact same thing that Chris Tanev dealt with upon his return to the ice.
But all in all, the team isn't in the basement and are still sitting with a 8-6-1 record on the season, and are only five points out of the top spot occupied by Montreal.
Tavares himself is doing what he can with 19 points, and this season is going to have its fair share of ups and downs.
While the Boston game is something the team is frustrated with, it's not indicative of who they are.
Like Tavares said however, who they decide to be starts with them being consistent game in and game out.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 9 | 1110 ANSWERS John Tavares Finally Calls Out the Leafs' Start: 'We Haven't Met Our Standard' Is it time to panic regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 776 | 69.9 % |
| No | 334 | 30.1 % |
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