William Nylander Delivers the Message Leafs Fans Have Been Waiting for on 50-Goal Chase
Photo credit: © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has already established a new career-best in goals scored, and has a message for fans who want to see him reach 50.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has set a new career-high in goals scored this year with 44; he's just six away from reaching the 50-goal plateau for what would be the first time in his career.
William Nylander Focused On Playoffs Even With 50-Goal Chase
But he has a message for fans who want him to prioritize reaching 50 goals; he's focusing on the games ahead and making sure that he and his teammates are prepared for the Stanley Cup Playoffs:
Just gotta try to keep shooting the puck. But like I said, the most important thing is to win the games going forward and get our game ready for the playoffs.
Nylander's longtime teammate Morgan Rielly stated his belief that Nylander doesn't get enough credit for the work that he puts into his game:
I think you almost become used to it when you play with him, but what goes unnoticed is just the work he puts in.
As teammates, we talk about it, and he scores these beautiful goals. Days and weeks before the game, he's out there after practice or before practice and off-days working on all that stuff.
I think that goes unnoticed, I don't think he gets enough credit for that. He spends a lot of time working on his game, and that's one thing, to be able to translate it to real game situations is obviously really impressive.
As teammates, we talk about it, and he scores these beautiful goals. Days and weeks before the game, he's out there after practice or before practice and off-days working on all that stuff.
I think that goes unnoticed, I don't think he gets enough credit for that. He spends a lot of time working on his game, and that's one thing, to be able to translate it to real game situations is obviously really impressive.
Nicholas Robertson had the following to say about Nylander:
I'm not sure, I think it comes with more confidence; I'm not sure. But obviously he's a heavily relied-upon player and he's fun to watch out there.
There's a lot to be said about Nylander's skillset and while he is often a breakaway monster and a perennial 40-goal scorer, his defense and hockey IQ is off the charts, and he has some sneaky good hands both on and off the puck.
Nylander has 82 points (44G, 38A) in 76 games this year; he and the Leafs are in first place in the Atlantic Division trying to capture their first title since the COVID-altered 2020-21 season.
It seems that William Nylander has impressed ton of people this season, and is looking to build upon an already stellar career.
It might also be time for him to lead the team with Auston Matthews; especially if Mitch Marner heads out of town.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 7 | 397 ANSWERS William Nylander Delivers the Message Leafs Fans Have Been Waiting for on 50-Goal Chase Will William Nylander score 50 goals this year? | ||
| Yes | 252 | 63.5 % |
| No | 145 | 36.5 % |
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