The Toronto Maple Leafs held an optional practice on Thursday as they get ready for Game 1 of their first round series against the Boston Bruins. Excitement is in the air as it's expected to be a very intense series between the two teams. For forward John Tavares it's an opportunity and experience he didn't get a lot as a member of the New York Islanders. During his nine years in Long Island and Brooklyn, Tavares and the Islanders only made the playoffs three times. Tavares is taking the opportunity very seriously and knows from experience, there's no guarantee it'll be around next season. "You get to the playoffs & this is what you work for, these opportunities & you can't let them pass when they come. You never know when it could be your time. You have to take this as serious as any opportunity you're ever going to get." During his three shots at the playoffs, the Islanders only made it to the second round once however Tavares has been basically a point per game player in the playoffs with 22 points in 24 games.
