John Tavares has hit a big milestone.

The Toronto Maple Leafs forward scored his 500th career goal in the third period of Wednesday night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Unfortunately for Tavares and his squad, the milestone marker came in a losing effort. He scored with less than five minutes left in the third period — burying it stick side off a slick backhand pass from Matthew Knies — to cut Toronto’s deficit to 6-2 at the time. The Maple Leafs went on to lose 6-3.

Tavares becomes the 49th player in NHL history to hit the 500-mark. He is now tied with former Leaf and Flame Lanny McDonald for 48th on the all-time goal list.

The only previous player to score his 500th goal in a Leafs uniform was Mats Sundin in 2006.

Tavares, 35, is just the fourth NHL player in NHL history

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