William Nylander shining for Maple Leafs in playoffs: ‘Nothing gets to him’
Craig Berube made a light-hearted comment earlier this week about his star winger, William Nylander, joking that the player doesn’t have much time for his head coach. With a smirk, Berube mentioned that Nylander doesn’t want him to talk to him and maybe he should just leave him alone. This playful banter highlights the dynamic between the coach and player as they navigate through the playoffs.
During his first season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Berube had the task of getting to know a talented offensive core that had seen success in the regular season but struggled in the playoffs. Despite the team’s past failures, Nylander has been a consistent performer in the postseason and has reached new heights in the current Stanley Cup chase.
Leading the Leafs with six goals and seven assists for a total of 13 points in eight games, Nylander has been a standout player in the series against the Florida Panthers. His performance has been so impressive that he is just the second Leafs player in the last 30 years to score five goals over a three-game span in the playoffs, with Alexander Mogilny being the other player to achieve this feat in 2003.
Nylander’s tenacity and focus have not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Toronto captain Auston Matthews praised his teammate’s skill level and commended his ability to stay focused in high-pressure situations. Berube also lauded Nylander’s ability to thrive on the big stage, noting that the player does not feel pressure and always wants to be in critical situations.
In a recent game against the Panthers, Nylander showcased his skill by swiftly converting a pass from Max Pacioretty into a goal, demonstrating his composure under pressure. Berube emphasized that Nylander’s calm demeanor and ability to perform in clutch moments make him a valuable asset to the team.
With Nylander signed to a long-term contract, the Leafs are counting on him to continue his stellar play. His dynamic style of play, puck-handling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities have been crucial to the team’s success. As they aim to end their Stanley Cup drought dating back to 1967, Nylander’s contributions will be vital in their pursuit of the championship.
Berube, a Stanley Cup champion himself, has full confidence in Nylander’s abilities and believes that the player will continue to excel in the playoffs. With Nylander’s talent and poise on the ice, the Leafs have a strong chance of making a deep postseason run and potentially bringing the Stanley Cup back to Toronto.
