NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Los Angeles Kings - Source: Imagn — Ex-captain John Tavares makes feelings known after Toronto Maple Leafs clinch playoff spot - Source: Imagn

Ex-captain John Tavares makes feelings known after Toronto Maple Leafs clinch playoff spot

Modified Apr 03, 2025 04:26 GMT

Former Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares shared his thoughts after the team clinched a playoff spot on Wednesday.

The Leafs secured their postseason berth with a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. They became the first team from the Atlantic Division and sixth overall in the NHL to lock in a playoff position.

Expand Tweet

John Tavares expressed the team's excitement to have earned their opportunity again. Their focus remains on finishing as high as possible to make the most of it.

"It's a long grind. It's a special thing to play for the Stanley Cup. We're excited to have the opportunity to again, earned our ticket there, and continue to work to finish as high as we can and make the most of the opportunity," said Tavares post-game (via Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan).

Expand Tweet

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to appear in the postseason for the ninth consecutive year. However, their playoff record has been disappointing, with the team only advancing past the first round once in that span, losing to the Florida Panthers in Round 2 in 2023.

John Tavares continues to shine as the Leafs book playoff berth

On Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs advanced to the playoffs after beating the Florida Panthers 3-2 at home in Scotiabank Arena.

After a goalless first period, Gustav Forsling opened the scoring for the Panthers at 1:03 into the second period. At 11:31 John Tavares tied the game for the Maple Leafs, scoring his 36th goal of the season.

"You love the professionalism and the mindset he has day in and day out. He's almost like having another coach around, just to ask him things and what his thoughts are," HC Craig Berube said about Tavares post-game.

Expand Tweet

Mitch Marner extended the home team's lead to 2-1 at 10:50 into the first period before Matthew Knies increased the advantage to 3-1 five minutes later. Sam Reinhart scored the power-play goal for the Panthers at 17:72 for the final scoreline of 3-2.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lead the Tampa Bay Lightning (93) and the Florida Panthers (92) for first place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division with 96 points. They will be up against the Columbus Blue Jackets next on Saturday.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama