In the game against the Kraken, he played 17:34 and Nylander has addressed the issue of his playing time with Berube to find a better rhythm and pulsation for him during games.
– Yes, it’s something I talked to the coach about, said Nylander. I miss being on the ice and killing ejections. This means that you are constantly involved in what is happening in the match. I want to contribute as much as I can and have said that I would love to get the ice age back to where it was before. I think it helps me do what I want to do on the ice when I’m inside more often. But it’s not a big discussion but something that comes up when we talk to each other.
– William has played good hockey for us this season. I have no problem at all with what he has performed so far, says Berube about Nylander’s playing time. But ice time is what it is and I try to use the players available on the bench in the best way. Everyone is important in the team and has a role to play.
Nylander has started the season scoring eight goals and four assists in the opening eleven games. The twelve points means leadership in the team’s internal scoring and shooting league. His chain, where he plays alongside John Tavares and Max Pacioretty, finds each other better and better.
– There are two really skilled guys who have been in this league for a long time, says Nylander. John is an incredible player and I think Max is very similar to him in the way he is out on the ice. Sometimes I have a hard time telling who is who when it’s fast. They also both have black sticks and black tape. They are also both very meticulous with their routines on and off the ice. They know what they have to do to be able to play at their best.
In the last two games against Winnipeg and Seattle, the formation has produced a combined 14 points (6+8) and has become a sharp weapon for Toronto.
– That whole chain has worked very well for us lately, says Berube. Pacioretty is a very powerful player who creates spaces with his physical play. Tavares is incredibly strong in the game with the puck and finds openings with his passes. Willy is the one who finishes the attacks and puts the puck in the goal. It is a very solid chain.
– “Willy” and I know each other well and have played together a lot over the years, says Tavares. Then Max has come in with his skill. He is a really good player who had a nice career in this league. He says he just feels stronger than he has in years. He has a very good understanding of the game and we have found each other in a good way. The more we get to play together, the more often we will find each other instinctively and create chances.
The Maple Leafs are third in the Atlantic Division after a 6-4-1 record. Toronto plays its next game on Saturday away in St.Louis where the Blues host at the Enterprise Center.
