Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has been managing to get himself on the goal sheet lately, but only in the assist department. Apples are great and all but it’s pretty clear at this point that the Swede is getting a bit antsy about getting back in the goals column.
Nylander is scoreless through his last 11 and has just five genos through 46 games since finally ending his restricted free agency period on December 1. But hey, when you’re getting paid $6.9 million annually you’re expected to do a little more than just get assists; especially when you’re playing with Auston Matthews. The 22-year-old was asked about his current slump and made it pretty clear that he’s hoping to pot home a couple over the remainder of the Leafs’ regular season.
Willie’s probably feeling the heat even more about now after watching his younger bro Alex score his second NHL goal on Wednesday in a 4-2 Leafs win over the Sabres. Head coach Mike Babcock did reveal, however, that Willie has been under the weather lately. Still, Babs is hoping to get more out of his prized forward and ultimately see him find twine.
The following is an excerpt from Mark Masters on TSN.ca
"The harder he works to get back to create separation from their defence to create some gap for him, he can turn and get going," the coach said. "So, it’s just what I talked about earlier, the harder he competes, the more space he creates for himself, the more he has the puck and therefore the more dangerous he is."
When it comes down to it, every player enjoys scoring more goals than they like getting assists. Don’t try to be a hero and convince yourself otherwise. He’ll have a chance to put one home when the Leafs host the Rangers on Saturday night.
(H/T Mark Masters)
