The Toronto Maple Leafs are aiming to break past the second round of the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2002. Year after year, fans get their hopes up, only to be met with disappointment. However, this season feels different. With just over two weeks until the playoffs, the Leafs lead the Atlantic Division.
A key contributor to Toronto’s success has been veteran center John Tavares, who is on track for the second-highest goal total of his 16-year NHL career. He has already netted 35 goals this season. March was particularly impressive for the former No. 1 overall pick, as he tallied 13 goals and seven assists, accumulating 20 points across 15 games. His stellar performance earned him NHL’s Second Star of the Month honors.
“Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares, and St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington have been named the NHL’s ‘Three Stars’ for March, presented by GEICO,” the NHL announced in a press release on Tuesday.
At 34, Tavares joined an exclusive club in franchise history, becoming only the second Maple Leafs player over that age to register a five-game goal streak. The only other to achieve this was franchise icon Mats Sundin at 35.
Tavares also hit a major career milestone on March 20 against the New York Rangers, recording his 1,000th career point. Since then, the Mississauga, Ontario native has increased his total to 1,109 points, with 491 goals and 618 assists.
