John Tavares didn’t mince words following the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 5–2 collapse in Nashville on Saturday night. Toronto opened the game with a dominant first period, capped by Tavares' 30th goal of the season and a one-timer from Mitch Marner.

As an opponent, Steven Lorentz had an idea of what John Tavares might be like as a teammate. Playing against Tavares in the National Hockey League, Lorentz took mental notes on Tavares’ work ethic and the determination that he displayed whenever Lorentz lined up on the other side.

After all, the proof is on display almost every day of the hockey season.