John Tavares and Matthew Knies refuse to let faith waver despite a five-game losing streak

Speaking to the media after the Maple Leafs’ latest ugly defeat, assistant captain John Tavares spoke of the disappointment after a solid start eluded them and turned into a multi-goal deficit.

“Obviously we did some good things early, put the puck in the net and gave ourselves some leads,” Tavares reflected to reporters. “A couple of tough breaks, then it felt like we couldn’t really get the momentum back and really let our play wear out for the rest of the night and put yourself in a good spot. And obviously we had to fight back again in the third. So yeah, a tough one.”

When asked if he felt like faith was still in the room, Tavares kept it short and sweet.

“Yes.”

Tavares then elaborated on the inspiration in the locker room, pointing out that even though it’s almost February and the team is eight points out of a playoff spot, the bell hasn’t rung yet.

“We play the game at the highest level in the NHL, and you play for a historic club. There is still a lot of hockey here and nothing is set in stone yet. So the motivation is very simple.”

Matthew Knies, who scored the Maple Leafs’ first goal after an 11-game goal drought, echoed Tavares’ sentiments and tapped into the team’s ability to find a way out of adversity earlier this season. He admitted that the team needs to show a little more urgency.

“I think there definitely needs to be more desperation,” Knies said. “I think we got into this kind of adversity earlier this year and we found a way to get out of it. So I think, relying on the fact that we’ve done this before, I have confidence in our group that we can do it again.”

The Leafs will have very little margin for error the rest of the season, with a steep uphill battle to salvage their playoff chances, but Knies refuses to let his faith in the team waver.

“I think there’s a lot of hockey left and the scores are very close. To be honest, I haven’t looked at it much. That’s how confident I am that we’re going to get there.”

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER