I tried to tell em at the time.
Tavares had a month long slump, the worst of his career and then went right back to his usual consisitant self. Look even now as so many are acting surprised at Tavares numbers so far even though he finished last season with 18 goals and 34 points in 36 games.
I like the fact his defensive numbers have so solid the last couple of years to go with evolution into one of the best faceoff guys in hockey during his time with the Leafs. You can tell he's one of the harder working guys in hockey.
You can sing his praises all you like but unfortunately, he's been consistently subpar in the playoffs.
Him and Marner have been the same - good during the regular season but then their production goes way down in the playoffs and last year they both hit rock bottom, Marner with LOL 3 points in 7 games and JT with LOLOLOL 2 points.
For those people who don't care about the playoffs, this is not a problem but for those of us dreaming about winning the cup, this is a massive problem and these guys have simply not been earning their pay and when 22 million brings you 5 points over 7 games, that's a lot to overcome. And no, winning faceoffs, killing penalties and whatever else is not enough, with massive cap hits like these guys have, you must produce offence as well.
What's really weird is that in Marner's case, many have said that his game is simply not suited for the playoffs and when the teams adjust to playoff hockey and focus in defence, he is no longer effective and that makes a lot of sense but JT? His game is completely different from Marner's in the regard, he's a talented grinder, Crosby lite as many have said and his game is very well suited for the playoffs so his lack of production is not only a big disappointment, but also a big surprise. Seriously JT, WTF??
Maybe this spring will be different. As the saying goes, hope is the last to die.
JT hasn't received much criticism from me over the years as he came here voluntarily.
It's all about playoffs. That's it. The cap structure cannot support four high paid forwards, maybe not even three.
This guy gets it!