The Toronto Maple Leafs earned their first win over the Boston Bruins this season on Tuesday, defeating their rivals 4-2.

John Tavares played a major role in the win, tallying two primary assists and a third helper on the empty-net insurance goal. After the game, Tavares spoke highly of how the Leafs were able to come away with their first win in four games.

“Hands down our best game in a long time,” Tavares said. “The way we just stuck with the game all night. And there were some things that didn’t always go our way, but we didn’t let it snowball and let that momentum go against us. I think we just kept playing, kept competing, and stayed with it.”

Earlier this month, the Leafs were heavily criticized for a lack of response to a season-ending hit on Auston Matthews. On Tuesday, they didn’t make that same mistake. In the second period, Tavares was hit by Nikita Zadorov, and rookie Easton Cowan went in on the big-bodied defenceman.

After the game, Tavares showed his appreciation, while also poking some fun at the rookie.

“I really appreciated it,” Tavares said. “I mean, he’s feeling pretty tall right now, I guess.”

Cowan received a two-minute penalty for roughing on the play, but the Leafs still earned a power play, as Zadorov was assessed a five-minute major. After Cowan came out of the box, Tavares shared what he said to the youngster.

“I was chuckling a little bit, I said just be smart,” Tavares said. “He plays with a lot of emotion, you can feel his excitement on a daily basis. Just getting up and getting to play and compete. I remember being in those shoes. It’s invigorating, it’s exciting, and I think the world of him.”

The 20-year-old previously dropped the gloves earlier this month, later in the same game where Matthews got hurt, in defence of Nick Robertson. For Tavares, it just shows the kind of player Cowan is becoming in the NHL.

“Great for him to continue to grow and mature,” Tavares said. “He’ll continue to learn how to handle those situations and handle himself. It’s a pretty big night, he was going out there. The way he came in defence of me, it speaks volumes to his passion for the group and the team.”

After the game, Cowan was awarded the Leafs game belt for standing up for Tavares, a well-deserved honour.

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