Tavares returns to lineup vs. Kings after 7-game absence

The captain is back.

Toronto Maple Leafs star John Tavares suited up Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings after missing the last seven games with a broken finger.

The Leafs held their head above water without Tavares, going 3-2-2 in his absence.

Toronto still produced 3.14 goals per game during the seven-game stretch, but the power play suffered, going just 2-for-22 without Tavares.

The 29-year-old had three goals and four assists in eight games before suffering the injury against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 16.

Tavares drew in for fellow veteran Jason Spezza, who recorded two points - including his first goal as a Leaf - on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Leafs also made two other lineup changes.

Jake Muzzin said he's good to go after leaving Tuesday's game against the Caps with a charley horse and missing Saturday's tilt versus the Flyers for personal reasons. He'll sub in for Martin Marincin.

Nic Petan, who was just recalled after notching five points in two games with the AHL's Toronto Marlies, also rejoined the lineup in place of Dmytro Timashov.