"What looked a few days ago like it would be a triumphant return to Toronto for John Tavares has turned into something considerably different.

That's what happens when a young team like the Islanders -- who went 2-0-2 during the first four games of their seven-game road trip -- loses consecutive games to two of the worst teams in the Western Conference.

Though Maple Leafs fans will be able to see Tavares, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, which is 20 miles outside of Toronto, play his first NHL game at the Air Canada Centre, the 19-year-old rookie will be more concerned with keeping the Islanders (8-8-7) afloat."