Nylander‘s 3-1 goal would prove to be the match-decider, and the Swede has now scored 99 match-winning goals in his career. Only six other players in the club’s history have reached 100. Including Mats Sundin (179). Dave Keon (136), Darryl Sittler (109), George Armstrong (109), Mitch Marner (107) and Auston Matthews (105) are the others.
– He created a lot of chances, just like the last game… I haven’t checked the shot statistics yet, but he had a lot of opportunities again. He skates, is strong on the puck and creates open situations. He’s trying to get to shots, says Toronto coach Craig Berube about Nylander’s offensive impact right now.
The coach is also satisfied with how the Swede performed at the other end of the ice.
– He has been strong defensively, been in the right positions. He broke some sequences with the club today and has been accurate with it. It creates situations in the other direction, says Berube,
After Monday’s victory, the Toronto Maple Leafs have an initial record of 4-2-0.
– We came out pretty well. Tampa came back a little in the first, but then I thought we played fast and got counterattacks, so that opened up the game. We played well in the box play and Anthony Stolarz made an incredible effort, he made some important saves as well for us to keep the lead, says Nylander.
Stolarz’s first name is Anthony and has had to take the lead in Toronto during the opener after Justin Woll got injured. Against Tampa, Stolarz made 32 saves and improved his stats to a 93.8 save percentage and 1.83 goals against average per game. The 30-year-old, who last season was a backup in the Florida Panthers, has been successful considering the conditions.
– It’s just self-confidence and having the routine day in and day out. I work with goalie coach Curtis Sanford on a lot of things during our practice days, resting, taking care of my body, I’m just trying to take advantage of this opportunity,” Stolarz said.
