Not much went right for the Toronto Maple Leafs in their last game. After seven wins in a row, the team lost 6-2 to the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. However, there was a bigger concern than the score.
Throughout the game, fans online noticed and pointed out that Tavares seemed to be in some discomfort on the bench and on the ice. His frustration with the situation boiled over on the Golden Knights sixth goal of the game.
Despite the concern, there had been no update on Tavares since the game. However, TSN insider Darren Dreger got the news straight from the Maple Leafs, as well as Tavares's agent.
It's possible the team and agent might be covering for something. However, it's far more likely that Tavares is fine, and whatever was ailing him during the game is nothing to be concerned about. It would certainly be a tough time for the Toronto Maple Leafs to lose their captain. The 33-year-old isn't having his best season for the team, but he has 17 goals and 43 points in 56 games. His absence would leave a big hole in the lineup.
At one time limited to a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, Toronto is now firmly in third place in the Atlantic Division, with games in hand over the teams closest to them in the standings. Goaltending will be Toronto's biggest question mark going into the playoffs, unless a trade happens before the deadline of March 8.