Who says you can't go home?
Days after a cold greeting from his former fans in Long Island, a fan-driven movement on social media declared Saturday 'John Tavares Day' ahead of the Maple Leafs' tilt against the Sabres. Toronto mayor John Tory was on board with the idea, urging the Toronto alternate captain to not "let the haters get you down."
Don't let the haters get you down @91Tavares, you’re home now and we're proud you're here in Toronto! #TavaresDayTO pic.twitter.com/m4rKVkxSi6
— John Tory (@JohnTory) March 1, 2019
Tavares was booed unmercifully Thursday night in the Maple Leafs' 6-1 drubbing to the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum. After spending his first nine seasons with the Islanders, Tavares departed this past summer to join his hometown Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs vs. Islanders: Results, highlights from John Tavares' return to Long Island
Fans also taunted Tavares with chants of "It's your bedtime" and "Where's your jammies," a reference to the centre's social media post showing his childhood bedroom with a Maple Leafs bedspread and sheets.
However, his return to Toronto — on a day spontaneously named in his honor — had a memorable start. The Maple Leafs altered its pregame introductions to announce him last as his teammates left Tavares alone on the blueline and in the spotlight to a thunderous standing ovation.
John Tavares receiving a huge standing ovation from the Toronto crowd before the start of the game. pic.twitter.com/mMN614LLQd
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 3, 2019
A sampling of signs greeting John Tavares in warm-up pic.twitter.com/rJ721rizAT
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 2, 2019
"I don't know who set that all up. We've got a special group in here, tremendous people, not just hockey players," Tavares said postgame. "Just the support we give one another in a moment like that is certainly something I'll always remember. I think it shows how tight we are in here and I really appreciated it.
The Mississauga, Ont., native wasted no time in extending the celebration as he netted his 37th goal of the season 4:20 into the first period. Tavares wrestled the loose puck outside the net past netminder Linus Ullmark to give Toronto an early 1-0 lead.
A battle in the blue paint and @91Tavares comes out on top. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/ssaQBq7pUn
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 3, 2019
An excited Tavares pumped his right fist in celebration, releasing the frustration of a goalless outing against his former team two days prior. Tavares added a pair of assists for the Maple Leafs, who went on to defeat the Sabres 5-2.
"Definitely got some goosebumps and a nice little boost there," Tavares said of his first period marker. "Nice to do it in a win and come home on a Saturday and play the way we did."