Tavares eager to get playoffs underway

The Toronto Maple Leafs are well aware of the pressure they are facing heading into the playoffs this year. Despite several great regular seasons in recent history, they have failed with this core group to get through the first round of the playoffs. In fact, they have not advanced to the second round since 2004.

Despite the high pressure they face, there is reason to believe this year may be different for them. One of the reasons for optimism is that they will have John Tavares in the lineup, after he was forced to miss the majority of last year's playoffs due to a concussion which came from an accidental Corey Perry knee to the head. Speaking with reporters on Sunday, the Leafs captain made it clear how excited he is to get things going.

Though it was overshadowed due to some massive seasons from a few of his teammates, the 31-year-old Tavares had himself another very good year with 27 goals and 76 points in 79 games. Assuming he stays healthy, he should be able to provide a very big impact for his team in the upcoming playoffs. With that being said, things won't be easy for this Leafs squad in the opening round, as they are set to take on the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions in the Tampa Bay Lightning.

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES