What looked a few days ago like it would be a triumphant return to Toronto for John Tavares has turned into something considerably different.
That’s what happens when a young team like the Islanders — who went 2-0-2 during the first four games of their seven-game road trip — loses consecutive games to two of the worst teams in the Western Conference.
Though Maple Leafs fans will be able to see Tavares, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, which is 20 miles outside of Toronto, play his first NHL game at the Air Canada Centre, the 19-year-old rookie will be more concerned with keeping the Islanders (8-8-7) afloat.
“It’s gonna be special,” Tavares said of the homecoming. “I have to make sure I approach it the same way. I know there’s going to be lot of people there watching me.”
The Islanders, who suffered bad losses in Minnesota and St. Louis, are playing their worst hockey since rebounding from a six-game winless streak to start the season. The Leafs own the worst record in the league.