‘ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS’
John Tavares draws on Islander experience and feeds off hunger for Cup during mini-slump,
Maple Leafs centre John Tavares knows as well as anyone on his team about the weight of losing streaks, and the need to make sure that load doesn’t become a burden.
The Leafs have lost two in a row with a tough home-andhome against the Jets up next, starting Wednesday in Winnipeg.
Tavares, in his first season as a Leaf after nine with the New York Islanders, where he served as captain, has led by example over the years. When dealing with adversity, it’s in his DNA to keep things in perspective.
“I think actions speak louder than words in this instance,” Tavares said after Sunday’s practice, following Saturday night’s 4-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. “I know the expectations I have on myself — the consistency level I want to play at, and the preparation level. It’s a situation where you want to make sure that’s done before you do or say anything.
“First and foremost, the work ethic has to be there every day at this level. I know for myself, it’s not a fun feeling when you don’t have success and the opposition does a better job than you do. That hurts you. It hurts the ego of yourself and your team, and it should, and you look forward to the opportunity and the chance to change that script. That’s what it’s about, how you respond.”
After roaring and scoring out of the gate, the Leafs have just one goal in their last two games. It doesn’t sound like much, but after setting a goal of reaching the playoffs and making some noise last season, they entered this campaign with Stanley Cup aspirations. With that comes the adage: Championship teams don’t lose more than twice in a row.
Leafs coach Mike Babcock sets team goals in increments of five games. Win more than you lose in each segment and you’ll make the playoffs with a chance to go all the way. The Leafs need to focus on that, Tavares says.
“There’s no question, for us to get to where we want to get there will be forks in the road,” Tavares said. “Things won’t go your way all the time, everyone knows that. When you don’t have the focus or the intensity, it’s about how you refocus on those things and get results that you do want.
“The (ups and downs) are part of playing in the best league in the world. The difference between teams now is very small, so you see right away how important focus and work ethic is, because that’s the difference when it comes down to it.”
Inexperience is no longer an excuse. The Leafs are losing battles they should win, and their core players all have three or more years of NHL work to draw on.
“I look at teams, and the example I’ve been using the last little while is the Washington Capitals,” Tavares said. “They’ve been one of the best teams in our league for a long time, and yet they never made it over the hump and won (the Stanley Cup, until last year) … so it takes time, and sticking with it, and having that opportunity to change the narrative.
“Personally, the challenges I’ve faced, and the lessons I’ve learned from, and still not getting the success I’d like to have (Stanley Cup), that’s still a very motivating factor for me.”