Tavares’s slump: “not trying to force things” amid a five-game point deficit
Prior to the morning skate, Holden Keefe made it a point to catch up with John Tavares.
“He feels good, based on our conversation today,” the head coach of the Maple Leafs stated. “Just him remaining calm… There is a great deal of faith in both the group and the individual.
Even though he struggles to score goals and his team struggles to win, the Leafs captain remains as level-headed as they come.
For the first time in his six seasons with Toronto, Tavares has gone five games without a point.
Regarding his approach, Tavares stated, “I’m just trying to play a really good overall game and have a good process to my game.” “Not trying to force things when they’re not there or manufacture something out of nothing.”
Keefe mentioned on Wednesday that Tavares didn’t appear to have the same pop as of late. The head coach questioned whether Toronto’s hectic schedule was wearing down the 33-year-old center. The team’s sixth game in ten days will be Thursday night’s matchup in Calgary against the Flames.
“That’s the nature of it; you’re not going to feel great every game,” Tavares said. “I’ve experienced it previously. I still believe that my skating is good.”
Over the past 12 seasons (since 2012–2013), this drought of games is equal to the longest Tavares has gone without a point.
In his past three games, Tavares has been minus two. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that is the first time in his career that it has occurred.
He emphasized, “Just keep up the good habits, keep working on the things that have helped me succeed, stay focused, and play your game. Just keep going and be persistent.”
Linemate Matthew Knies said of him, “I have faith in him that he’s going to find his stride again and catch fire.” “He’s too good of a player for it to not come.”
Tavares is leading the Leafs, who have lost all four games (0-3-1).
“I don’t see the guys wavering in any way and that starts with our captain,” Keefe said.
Tavares remarked, “With our group, there’s always urgency.” “Obviously when things haven’t gone your way you can sense frustration and things like that get in, but I think we’ve just continued to stay with it.”
In the last four games, Toronto has lost three of the four leads it had, including leads of multiple goals.
Knies stated, “We’re just trying to stay strong mentally.” “We have the capability in this room to really turn it around and we just need one bounce and we’ll be right back into our playoff form.”
Tavares is quick to note that his team typically wins games at the end. This season, the Leafs were 15-1-2 when leading by multiple goals going into this current four-game stretch.
“We feel good as a group,” Keefe stated. “They exude confidence. They are aware of our areas for improvement, the actions we must take to close out games, hold leads, and all the various events that transpire during a game.”
Keefe is sticking with it, just like Tavares. There won’t be any lineup adjustments on Thursday by him.
Coach said, “You’re looking for some consistency.” “We’ve switched around the group a little bit, but you should give it some time as we’ve been with these 18 skaters for a significant amount of time now.
On Wednesday, the Leafs had a long meeting that included some frank discussions.
Reporters were informed by veteran defenceman Mark Giordano that “we’re in that mindset now where you gotta do whatever it takes to get that win.” “Once you start using these slides, things begin to pile up. We have to play in that instant to win the game, regardless of the circumstances tonight.”
The Leafs are in for a challenging match. With seven victories in their previous nine games, the Flames are gaining steam and are now just two points out of a postseason berth.
Nazem Kadri, a center, expressed his pride in the hot streak. “The work is not done. After having to dig ourselves out of a hole, we’re attempting to improve as a club.
“They’re a hard-working group with lots of depth,” Keefe said. “Lines one through three don’t really change all that much. mobility in terms of defense. They make a strong team. This league doesn’t have nights off, so tonight will undoubtedly be difficult.”
Since losing six straight games in late October and early November, Calgary has made significant progress.
“We’ve done a heck of a job to bring ourselves back to life here,” Kadri stated.
