Nylander benched in Leafs' loss to Oilers and Craig Berube reveals the truth behind the decision

There was some concern in the air on Saturday as Dakota Joshua and William Nylander missed the game day morning skate with illnesses and were labeled as game-time decisions.

Ultimately, Nylander felt well enough to play, albeit far from 100-percent.

Under the weather, Nylander played just 13:46 over two-and-a-half periods, being stapled to the bench for the final six minutes of the third, with the Leafs down 6-2.

Berube was well aware that Nylander wasn't at full health, but made no excuses for the Swedish native.

Everyone is well aware of Nylander's lack of effort sometimes, but there are instances where he chooses to show no effort at the worst of times.

Nylander snapped a 4-game pointless streak on Thursday, having struggled of late, leading to some speculation that it may be more than an illness that is hindering him. Hopefully after a few days off, Nylander will return, closer to the version that he had shown at the beginning of the season.

Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs in points, but with just 2 assists to show for his efforts over the past couple of weeks, the Leafs need much more out of him.