Maple Leafs Star William Nylander Backs Up Controversial Comments in a Big Way
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs winger William Nylander put his money where his mouth is during a thrilling win over the New Jersey Devils, backing up his recent controversial comments.
After a disappointing loss to the Dallas Stars, Maple Leafs star William Nylander was quoted as saying, "what's the big deal?", referring to the Leafs' recent 3-game losing skid.
The comment left Leafs Nation with a sour taste in the mouths of fans who are tired of mediocrity from a team who possesses all of the talent in the world, yet still fails to execute -- especially in the postseason.
Well, it would appear as though Nylander received the message, and on Thursday evening, the kid from Stockholm, Sweden delivered in a big way in front of the home crowd at Scotiabank Arena, to the tune of 2 goals and 1 assist, including the overtime winner against the New Jersey Devils in former Leafs bench boss Sheldon Keefe's return to Toronto.
Following the win, it was very clear who Leafs head coach Craig Berube felt was the MVP, giving Nylander some love by name in his post-game presser.
"Willy had a heck of a game."
Berube had a few things to say following the win, but a lot of it was in relation to Nylander's statement game against the Devils to silence the critics.
"I think he reads the game very well. He's got a real high hockey IQ with reading where he can get open and take advantage of people. That's great play by Mitch too, to read the change and get it up to Willy."
The Leafs will now travel to Montreal to take on the suddenly surging Canadiens, who have gone 8-1-1 in their last 10. Hopefully Nylander, Marner and the rest of the team don't fall into their previous habits of allowing teams below them in the standings to skate away with 2 points -- especially a heated rival like Montreal.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
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JANVIER 17 | 1978 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Star William Nylander Backs Up Controversial Comments in a Big Way How many goals do you think William Nylander will finish with this season? |
30-35 | 188 | 9.5 % |
36-40 | 579 | 29.3 % |
41-45 | 802 | 40.5 % |
46-50 | 409 | 20.7 % |
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