TORONTO — John Tavares could have pouted or expressed his displeasure.

The Toronto Maple Leafs moved their captaincy from veteran center to star sniper Auston Matthews over the summer.

Tavares wore the “C” in hockey’s biggest market for five seasons. He wasn’t going to let hurt feelings change his motivation or his approach.

The Leafs are reaping the rewards.

Tavares scored his sixth and seventh goals of the season Friday — including the game-winning power play goal in the second period — in Toronto’s 3-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

The 34-year-old forward has found chemistry with wingers William Nylander and Max Pacioretty on the Leafs’ second line. But the way Tavares handled the move to Matthews as the franchise’s focal point also stood out.

“That unwavering focus and work ethic,” Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly said. “You always know what to expect, and I think that’s an underrated quality. He puts in the time and effort. He’s just a real pro.

“I enjoyed playing with him, and this year maybe more than ever, just because of everything. The way he’s approached these last few months, the way he comes here and goes about his business, I think is very admirable.”

Tavares signed a seven-year contract worth US$77 million with Toronto in free agency in the summer of 2018. He scored 47 goals and 88 points in his first season, and was a solid contributor and leader throughout the agreement.

The Oakville, Ontario product is also very aware of his surroundings with a career decidedly on the back nine.

“I continue to do what I need to do to help this team win,” Tavares said. “There’s always a confidence in myself and how I can impact the game and the level I can play at. I know the work I do, the fun I have playing and coming to the rink every day and competing. I love playing with these guys and I love playing here.

“Go out there and enjoy it, have fun and give it everything you have.”

Similar to Rielly, Leafs winger Mitch Marner is in his seventh season alongside Tavares.

“A heck of a competitor,” said Marner, who is on a seven-game point streak. “You are grateful to him every day.”

Tavares has 463 goals and 590 assists for 1,053 points in his 1,123 career regular season games.

Toronto head coach Craig Berube has impressed in his first month in charge of the team.

“The captain thing, I thought he took it really well,” Berube said. “In his mind, he thought it was the right thing to do. He’s playing really well for us. He’s so good in tight areas with the puck.

“Are all these little things okay.”

These little things – on the ice and in the locker room – are what got Tavares to this point. He wasn’t about to change.

“You’re always aware of things that are evolving or might be a little different,” he said. “You adapt… just continue to trust what I’m doing and help the team as best I can.”

THE ARMY IN HAND

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, who serves in the same role with Canada for the NHL’s 4 Nations faceoff tournament in February, was on hand Friday at Scotiabank Arena.

BARE HANDS EFFORT

Stolarz lost his blocker during a scrum in the third period before emerging from the scrum with the puck in his open field for all to see.

“It was a bit of a dog pile,” Marner said. “It’s nice to see him come out with the puck in his hand.

“And I still had my five fingers.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published November 8, 2024.

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