William Nylander never really touched the ice much after his defensive miscue against the New York Islanders, as Jim Hiller sent him an early season message.
Despite the Maple Leafs starting off the season 1-2-0, they do have some bright spots such as Kirill Marchenko and Auston Matthews' chemistry, Easton Cowan's fantastic start, and a much better and more succinct defensive group.
But there are still some issues, especially when it comes to the second line of Gavin McKenna, John Tavares, and William Nylander. The worst line on the team by far, they have been giving up too many scoring chances without having any of their own - and Nylander was the direct cause of a goal scored by the Islanders on Wednesday.
Jim Hiller sending an early season message to William Nylander
After trying to get back for a 2-on-1, Nylander didn't really use his speed to catch up to Emil Heineman, who managed to blow past the forward and score. It broke the shutout and nearly caused a big concern after Heineman ran into Anthony Stolarz, and could have been prevented had Nylander got back quicker.
-
You can tell that once Nylander got into his zone, he let up just a little bit, as Heineman got a couple extra steps ahead of the forward and scored shorthanded.
It wasn't as egregious as some of his other miscues, but for Jim Hiller it was enough to sit him. Nylander didn't see the ice for the team's 6-on-5 against the Ottawa Senators because he didn't want to risk another potential issue.
William Nylander can be a good defender, he just can't give up
We've even seen improvements from Nylander this season, as he has fought back to defend, stick-check, and otherwise be a solid contributor in his own end. But he's also still giving the puck away too much, and these errors pile up.
He's a solid defensive player, he's not completely inept. But it's the effort level flip-flopping that frustrates everyone. It's what drove Craig Berube nuts last year, as he was imploring Nylander to try harder in all aspects, and he just kind of marched to the beat of his own drum.
It feels like once Nylander ends up getting into his zone he takes a step back and lets the defenders carry the load.
Compare that to Auston Matthews or even John Tavares, who continually fight for pucks in their zone and battle even if they lose. Nylander will half-heartedly win a battle, but almost expect an offensive breakout - not aware that things can change in an instant.
Nylander won't be making these mistakes on the regular, though Hiller has at least shown that if he does end up making them, then regardless of the situation - he's going to have to take a seat and think about his mistakes.
Do you think William Nylander needs to give more effort for the Maple Leafs?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Gavin McKenna faces work ethic criticism after missing another optional Leafs skills session