Leafs’ Tavares greeted with hostility in return to Long Island Globe_Sports
A New York fan with the word 'traitor' taped over John Tavares's name on the back of an Islanders jersey watches the action as the former captain returns to Uniondale, N.Y., on Feb. 28, 2019, with the Toronto Maple Leafs.John Tavares knew he would get a hostile reception from New York Islanders fans in his first visit as a visiting player since the former captain left to sign with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent last summer.
The face of the franchise for nine years after he was selected No. 1 overall by New York in 2009, Tavares repeatedly said during his final season here that he hoped things would work out but wasn’t sure what would happen. He has also insisted he agonized over his decision to leave before announcing it on July 1, the first day of free agency.“It was probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life,” he said.
The fans booed loudly when Tavares and the Maple Leafs hit the ice for pregame warmups, and several times during their skate. They also serenaded him with choruses of “We don’t need you!” and other derisive chants. At least one plastic snake was thrown on the ice and an Islanders jersey was thrown in Tavares’ direction as he left the ice.
New York began the day tied with Washington atop the Metropolitan Division with 79 points. The Islanders, who have lost three of their last four, hold the tiebreaker because they have played two fewer games and host the Capitals on Friday night.
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