TORONTO - John Tavares was joined on the ice before Wednesday's opening faceoff by his family to mark an impressive milestone.

The veteran centre then went out and added another goal to an already gaudy stat line — and helped the Maple Leafs to another victory.

Tavares buried the 501st goal of his career in the third period to give Toronto a lead it wouldn't surrender in a 5-3 decision over the Utah Mammoth.

The 35-year-old was honoured prior to puck drop for becoming just the 49th player in NHL history to score 500 regular-season goals in a ceremony that included his parents, wife and three children.

"My biggest supporters and sacrifice a lot so I can do what I do," Tavares said. "Really glad I got to share it with them, and even better to follow up with a great effort and a big win."

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