The Tavares Show

Are we still doubting the number one overall pick from the 2009 NHL Entry Draft?

The speed of the NHL is something that takes adjusting to.  As is the surrounding development of players.

When John Tavares first stepped on the scene out on Long Island with the Islanders, it was other teams that weren’t prepared for him.  Things changed. The issue that started approximately twenty games into the season was the space Tavares was not able to obtain on the ice during his shifts.

It might have taken a bit of time but John Tavares seems to have found his game again.

Tavares had a five point night, including two goals, in a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.

Of the prettier events from the evening, the video below was a beautiful no-look pass by Tavares that led to Matt Moulson‘s 26th goal of the season. For a player that couldn’t crack the Los Angeles Kings line-up to top line player skating alongside his childhood friend is an amazing accomplishment.

Notice Kevin Bieksa‘s lack of defensive coverage there? That was a huge factor for this goal. If I were coach, this video would be on repeat for

Dylan Reese scored his first career NHL goal. The play was set up by Moulson and Tavares at the 6:33 mark of the first period.

Just before the second period would come to a close the Islanders would put the icing on the cake.

Freddie Meyer scored with just seconds remaining in the period to give the Isles a 4-2 lead heading into the third. The goal would also be the last one Roberto Luongo would give up as he was sitting on the bench to start the third period. Giving up four goals on twelve shots will cause such an event to happen.

The final stanza was almost identical to the opening one. The Canucks took nine shots on goal to the Islanders eight and the Islanders were the only team to score in the the third. Tavares would cap off his five point night with his second of the game into an empty net. The only difference between the first and third periods were the number of goals scored.

Dwayne Roloson ended the night with 35 saves for the Islanders.

However, last night was an evening in which the Islanders can comfortably say that the future remains bright.

The better situation was the overall game played by Tavares.

Number 91 skated 31 shifts for a total of 17:50 of ice time. He was seven of fifteen in the face-off circle. An overall great night for JT, who was also a plus-3.

All of Isles nation has a reason to rejoice today. The common thought has been that of “Tavares is back”. I must say, I do agree.

If the Islanders are somehow able to pull off obtaining the eight and final playoff seed in the East and Tavares becomes a big reason for it, how difficult will the Calder trophy voting become?

This season is not over just yet. A long shot, but not one that’s impossible.

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC