Maple Leafs' John Tavares Shares Details on Game 4 Concussion Scare
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares opened up about his concussion scare after a hard hit from Ottawa Senators' Artem Zub during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series.
Tavares left the game early in overtime following a hit to the head that triggered removal by an NHL concussion spotter.
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Speaking Monday, Tavares explained the sequence and why he was removed from the potential series-clincher.
'I don't think I really need to explain it,' Tavares said. 'It's pretty obvious what happened on the play. The puck's nowhere near me. But just move on from it and go out there and keep competing and trust that the refs are going to make the right calls.'
Tavares missed more than 10 minutes of game action, including an overtime power play that the Leafs failed to capitalize on. Ultimately, Toronto fell 4-3, failing to punch its ticket to the second round.
The veteran center said he was unaware that a four-minute Maple Leafs power play was happening while he underwent the SCAT5 evaluation in the league's designated room.
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'I had no idea that there was a power play,' Tavares said. 'I was obviously pulled out and I had to go through the protocol.'
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) skates ahead of Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson (19) at Scotiabank Arena.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Leafs coach Craig Berube voiced frustration with the play after seeing replays.
'I don't like the hit,' Berube said. 'Puck's nowhere near him. Looked like a head shot to me.'
Despite the scare, Tavares said he feels ready to continue playing through the series with game 5 between the Maple Leafs and the Senators scheduled for Tuesday night in Toronto.
'I feel good,' Tavares said. 'A little bit of soreness just in my jaw and cheek area, but I felt good.
'Felt good on the ice today.'
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Related: Brady Tkachuk's Strong Message Before Facing 'Desperate' Maple Leafs in Game 5
Related: Maple Leafs Fans Send Three-Word Message to Florida Panthers
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