'He Just Keeps Battling And Wins Puck Battles': John Tavares' Production Helps Leafs Defeat Kings
Mar 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesLOS ANGELES — Perhaps not being selected to play for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off was the best thing to happen to John Tavares this season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs forward scored twice, including the game-winner, to help his club come from behind to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday and move Toronto back into first place in the Atlantic Division.
Tavares increased his goal total to 35 in 2024-25 and is on pace to have his most productive season since 2018-19 when he first joined the organization. He extended his goal-scoring streak to five games (eight goals in that span). That's his longest ever as a Leaf and longest in over 12 years, last accomplishing the feat from Feb. 7-12 of 2013 while with the New York Islanders.
"He's been so big for us all year, but especially as of late, I thought since the 4 Nations, he's just a little extra pop," Auston Matthews said of Tavares. "He's a big-time player, so tonight was another big effort, another big game from him, some big goals. As of late, had some really great games for us. It's been awesome to see."
Since the 4 Nations break, Tavares leads the NHL with 14 goals. He has five more than any of his teammates in that span. The 34-year-old appears to have benefitted from the two-week break that came in mid-February and has been red hot with eight goals in his last five games.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube isn't surprised at Tavares' production, attributing the alternate captain's ability to win battles and net presence as the key to his success.
"That's the biggest thing for me is he wins so many battles with his stick, heavy stick, strong. He's so great and tight around the net scoring goals," Berube said.
"That's where he gets most of his goals."
The Maple Leafs moved the first place in the Atlantic Division with nine games remaining in the regular season. A productive Tavares is key if the Leafs are going to have success in the post-season.
Tavares represented Canada at the 2014 Olympics and recently suited up for the country at the 2024 World Hockey Championships but was not selected to take part for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Whether it has served has motivation or not isn't clear, but the player has been on quite the heater while also in the final year of his NHL contract.
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