John Tavares Has Elite Reaction to Leafs Rookie Easton Cowan's First NHL Goal
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
It was a memorable night for Maple Leafs rookie Easton Cowan in Philadelphia, and veteran forward John Tavares looked like a proud father after Cowan's first career NHL goal.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are back in the win column, following a gutsy effort in a win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night, headlined by a big rebound performance from Anthony Stolarz, and Easton Cowan's first NHL goal.
Yesterday, following the morning skate, Cowan spoke with the media, and despite going 11 games without scoring his first goal, he seemed positive that his moment was coming.
"I know I can contribute more to help this team win. I mean, I'm getting chances. So, I gotta start burying just to help this team as much as I can. That's my goal out there."
The manifesting certainly paid off on Saturday.
Cowan Scores First Career NHL Goal
After several chances in recent games, Cowan finally did the deed, burying his first career NHL goal in style, using his excellent vision to read the play and find some open ice before ripping home a dandy.
John Tavares Looking Like a Proud Father
The goal itself was excellent, but it was John Tavares' reaction to the goal that did it for me. JT looked like a proud father out there, jumping on Cowan and embracing him with an ear-to-ear smile. It was something to behold.
Tavares has always taken a special interest in his team's rookie players -- a trait that he learned from old New York Islanders captain Doug Weight, who took a rookie Tavares under his belt back in 2009.
Not only did Tavares take care of a rookie Matthew Knies, taking him into his home during Knies' transition from the NCAA into the NHL -- he also did the same for former Leafs prospect Fraser Minten, who was traded to the Boston Bruins last year in the Brandon Carlo deal.
Now, doing the same for Cowan, Tavares is proving why he's worth every year and every penny of his new 4-year deal, which everyone knows is a sweetheart of a hometown discount. Tavares is just the ultimate team guy and Leafs Nation should be elated to have him. What a beauty.
Feature Post-Game Interview on Hockey Night in Canada a Dream Come True for Cowan
Cowan received a lot of hype on the Leafs' bench after the goal and the moment was even sweeter after picking up the win on the road. However, the icing on the cake was Cowan receiving a Hockey Night in Canada towel, earning the feature interview following the win in Philly.
Player of the Game
The cherry on top was Cowan being named the Maple Leafs' Player of the Game, receiving the Leafs championship belt from veteran teammate and fellow London Knights alum, Max Domi.
Cowan has played 9 games as a Maple Leaf, and has been engaged and working hard each and every shift. He has impressed the coaching staff, and is becoming a meaningful middle six contributor, having notched 4 points thus far. Not bad for a 20-year-old rookie.
Previously on Maple Leafs Daily
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 2 | 854 ANSWERS John Tavares Has Elite Reaction to Leafs Rookie Easton Cowan's First NHL Goal Do you think the Leafs were wise to keep John Tavares around into his late 30's? | ||
| Yes, absolute beauty | 788 | 92.3 % |
| No, that deal is going to age horribly | 36 | 4.2 % |
| Not sure yet | 30 | 3.5 % |
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