William Nylander Sends a Simple Message After Maple Leafs' Costly Mistakes
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander was blunt in his assessment of what the team needs to do in order to be better, and it involves their mental mistakes.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs came into Columbus ready to do some damage after a strong win against Calgary the night previous, it was anything but as the team may have outshot the Blue Jackets but were outplayed all night and looked lost.
It was something that has haunted the team all season and while according to their captain it's not for a lack of effort, there's a lack of communication and closeness we saw previously; it feels like they are playing for themselves and not each other.
Nylander Says the Maple Leafs Just Need to Play Smarter, Not Harder
It's led to several mental errors that have caused a lot of headaches for fans and head coach Craig Berube, who seems to be at his wit's end as to what to do.
However, superstar forward William Nylander has a very simple solution for his team: Just be better.
Speaking to reporters after practice on Friday, he was honest in his team's play as of late and what they need to do to get through this slump:
I think it's an easy fix.... Just don't need to make stupid plays, and we'll be good.
Can't get any better or simpler than that, as Nylander knows that the team has not been making the best choices as of late and it's really hindering them. They can't clear the puck out of their own zone, their pressure is staggered, and their rush defense has been atrocious.
For what it's worth, Nylander has done his part to get the team in gear, and had he not missed the game against Columbus then things may have been different. With 15 points in nine games he's been a stud so far, and showing some elite playmaking already.
Those "stupid" plays often tend to be the Maple Leafs watching the puck instead of the opposition, and it's lackadaisical plays and zone clearances that are making things so frustrating.
If they can tidy those up then it'll be a huge benefit going forward, make them less tired as the game progresses and actually give their goaltender a modicum of protection (though they need to step up too).
Toronto can start making smarter decisions starting Saturday night against the Philadelphia Flyers, however if they keep repeating the same mistakes, don't expect Nylander to hold his tongue.
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