Legendary Maple Leafs Broadcaster Joe Bowen Issues a Public Apology to John Tavares

It's not often you see an NHL player receive an apology after scoring a major milestone goal, but that's exactly what's happening with John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The apology is coming from legendary Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen, who insists he did Tavares a disservice by not giving his 500th goal call the gusto it deserved.

Tavares is just the 49th player in NHL history to hit the mark, and tied Lanny McDonald for 48th on the all-time NHL goals list with the all-important marker.

The goal came late in the third period with the Maple Leafs trailing the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-1. Toronto would end up losing 6-3 in a dismal effort. The call from Bowen on the goal was less than enthusiastic, and for that he says he's sorry.

Bowen added that he hopes goal number 501 comes under better circumstances for Tavares and the team, and he'll make sure it gets the enthusiasm it deserves.

In all fairness, Bowen has nothing to apologize for. Tavares himself downplayed the goal saying it's all about the team, not the individual. He, and other players on the Maple Leafs were clearly frustrated with their effort in that game and not really in a mood to celebrate an individual milestone.

If anything, Bowen captured the tone of the team perfectly with his call, and shouldn't be embarrassed about it. If the Maple Leafs had been winning, things would have been much different -- and a veteran like Bowen is as aware of that as anyone.