John Tavares put together a pretty impressive performance in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series against the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. Tavares scored a goal and picked up two assists, as the Isles won the first game of the series 5-4.
The 25-year-old was the star of the show and his teammates noticed.
“Best player in the league,” teammate Travis Hamonic said of Tavares, per Newsday. “I’ve said that a lot. I see him every day and I’m glad he’s on our side. He’s a heck of a player. The last handful of games he’s been carrying us and tonight was no different.”
Tavares’ set up on Frans Nielsen’s first period goal was spectacular:
Tavares then tied the game at three with seconds remaining in the second period. He stripped Brian Campbell of the puck before dishing it off to Kyle Okposo for the go-ahead goal in the third frame.
“He’s just one of those clutch players,” said Thomas Greiss. “He has so much determination, will. He just makes things happen. He drives so hard. He won’t be stopped.”
Game 2 goes Friday night in Florida.