It was an emotional affair in Toronto on Saturday night as the New York Islanders visited to play their former captain for the first time.
John Tavares left New York to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a decision that received some backlash, and definitely created an emotional reaction for Isles’ fans and players. Saturday’s game was circled on lots of calendars, and when all the dust settled Mathew Barzal and the Islanders stood victorious, 4-0.
Instead of rubbing it in to the man that many feel abandoned the Long Island, the Islanders decided to take the high road. They presented JT with a special present as thanks for his dedication to the team for nine years.
Always better to go the honourable route, and it probably meant a lot to Tavares even if he has moved onto another team.
The two teams will next clash in New York on February 28, and you can bet that match may be even more emotional than the first. Welcome back, John.
(H/T Mike Zeisberg)
