Toronto Maple Leafs star forward John Tavares probably needed an energy drink instead of beers when he delivered a congratulatory message for his teammate, Auston Matthews.
Tavares shared a video on social media on Monday, showing him behind rows of Budweisers while congratulating Matthews for becoming the franchise’s new all-time leader in goals scored.
Congratulations @AM34 on setting the all-time goal record for Toronto. What an accomplishment. It’s an honour to have been a part of the journey so far and excited for what’s to come. Thank you to Mats Sundin and @budweisercanada for the special delivery to celebrate Auston’s… pic.twitter.com/XNhlhVGnT1
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) January 5, 2026
Many fans, however, felt Tavares lacked a little bit of enthusiasm in delivering his message to Matthews.
Careful John.
— Matthew Cann (@Matthew_Cann) January 5, 2026
Don't show too much emotion.
😅
Tone it down, no need for all this fanfare and emotion
— The Drunk Sage (@TheDrunkSage) January 5, 2026
Holy bot
— Long Island BUM (@strongislandbum) January 6, 2026
Wow such emotion. You two have won so much together .
— Ryan Terrill (@Terrill1012) January 5, 2026
— Islander Bob (@Islander_Bob) January 6, 2026
This is the most excited I've ever seen Johnny get.
— Buzzkill Larry (@LIGMALarry1) January 5, 2026
Perhaps the same could be said about Tavares’ performance in Toronto’s loss to his former team, the New York Islanders, on Saturday at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., where Matthews also set the record.
While Matthews scored two goals in that contest to surpass Hockey Hall of Famer Mats Sundin for the franchise record, Tavares had zero points in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Isles.
Matthews now has 421 career goals in the NHL, all scored with the Maple Leafs, who took him first overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. On the season, he has 20 goals and 13 assists for 33 points for Toronto, which is still trying to catch up in the Atlantic Metropolitan Division standings.
The 19-15-7 Maple Leafs will look to bounce back on Tuesday against the reigning Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
