Forward John Tavares scored the 1,000th point of his career in dramatic fashion against the New York Islanders on Monday.
In fact, Tavares had an assist on Morgan Rielly's tying goal six seconds before the end of the third period. However, the Isles won 4-3 in overtime thanks to a goal from Bo Horvat.
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The Leafs still had the opportunity to celebrate their captain's accomplishment. The players were allowed to leave the bench to congratulate the hero of the day on the ice.
“I'm glad it happened at a very good time for the team,” said Tavares, who called the moment “unrealistic” in a post-match press conference. It's been a great journey so far, a great adventure. I would have liked to celebrate a win, but I'm proud. In a way, I'm glad it's over and I can now move forward. There will be a time and a place to record more of it.”
Tavares scored a goal in the second period – his first since Nov. 17 – for his 999th point. Reaching 1,000 points against the Islanders is very special for him, as they were the team that selected him first in the 2009 draft. The Ontario native spent nine seasons on Long Island before accepting an offer from the Maple Leafs, his childhood team.
“It’s pretty incredible,” Auston Matthews added. He is so important to this team, this organization. The story was here [avec les Islanders], the father's journey with his father in the crowd, there is hardly a better scenario. Of course it would have been nice to have the extra point, but we're really happy for him. It’s an incredible achievement, a huge moment for him and deserves to be celebrated.”
To the boos
At the UBS Arena, Tavares was obviously booed by the hostile crowd from the first minute of the game. The cheers from the spectators also increased during the celebrations for his 1000th point.
“The uniqueness of doing this here obviously has to do with the first nine years of my career,” he explained. It's a big part of me. The way this place has influenced my life is special. It’s very unique and cool to do it here.”
The 33-year-old Ontario native reached this plateau in his 1,054th game. This season he has 25 points in as many games.