John Tavares Scores Twice Amidst Maple Leafs' Slump and Early Season Struggles

John Tavares contributed two goals in the Toronto Maple Leafs' recent 4-3 overtime loss to the Kings, a game where the team surrendered a 2-0 lead in the second period and a 3-2 lead in the third. Despite the team's overall struggles, including their worst start in a decade with eight wins in 18 games, Tavares remains focused on earning success. He acknowledged the team's battle and the increasing difficulty of games, stating, "things are only getting tougher and tougher within our own division, within the league." Tavares emphasized that while there's still a lot of hockey left, the team must not take any game for granted, noting that "the more games that go by there’s less runway." He believes the veteran team knows they haven't consistently performed at their expected level and must work through their current challenges, despite the team's offense ranking fourth in the league.