Tavares is gradually getting better from his illness, according to coach Craig Berube. Although he isn't fully recovered, there is hope that the seasoned forward will soon be able to rejoin the team. Although players missing games is never a good thing, it has given other players opportunities up the lineup that we wouldn't normally see, with
Pontus Holmberg recently playing a great game in place of Tavares. The NHL season is long, so a game this early probably won't affect their chances overall.