Tavares takes responsibility after struggling in series loss to Lightning
John Tavares knows he didn't play well enough after the New York Islanders were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games.
"I just didn't get it done," the Islanders captain told reporters Sunday, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "This just isn't good enough."
After notching a goal and an assist in Game 1, Tavares failed to record a point for the rest of the series, and the Islanders lost four straight including Sunday's clincher.
The first and second rounds were like night and day for the 25-year-old, who racked up five goals and four assists in six games against the Florida Panthers before virtually disappearing in the following series.
Tavares recorded 30 shots on goal against Florida, but managed only 10 in the five contests against Tampa Bay.
Bad luck also played a role in his struggles, as he hit the post in both of the Islanders' final two games.
Still, it was a disappointing performance for Tavares - who piled up 33 goals and 70 points in the regular season - and for the Islanders, who made another early playoff exit.
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