Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares returns to game after taking shot off leg
Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares was helped off the ice by teammates Monday night, but returned a few moments later.
With just over halfway to go in the third period, Tavares appeared to take a shot by teammate Rasmus Sandin off the back of his left leg. He instantly hit the ice and was writhing in pain.
Tavares takes a Sandin slapshot off the knee
man… pic.twitter.com/ImTSYahjJv
Linemates Nick Robertson and William Nylander helped him off the ice, but Tavares was unable to put any weight on his left leg. The Leafs captain, however, returned to the ice a few minutes later.
When he left, Tavares was in the midst of a strong game for the Leafs. He assisted on a second-period goal by William Nylander and has two shots on goal. Going 58.8 percent in the faceoff circle prior to leaving, Tavares had played 12:15 of ice time.
He was coming off a two-goal performance Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets and including the Monday night match, had eight points in seven games so far this season. While it’s far too soon for definitive point projections, Tavares is pacing for 93 points.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.