Taking advantage of Nylander
Lethal one-timer, knack for puck possession could give power play a boost
William Nylander always seems to be one of the most talked-about Maple Leafs when it comes to where he fits best among a group of talented forwards.
A solid performance in the Leafs’ first exhibition game on Saturday night drove home how much Nylander contributes to the team’s goal of dominating possession in the offensive zone.
If there’s an argument about his role — his spot among the top six forwards is undisputed — it has to do with the power play.
Nylander, who possesses an exceptional one-timer, will likely be moved to the left side on the top power-play unit. While the game plan with the man advantage is still taking shape early in training camp, it’s expected they will make adjustments to take better advantage of that wicked shot.
The Leafs scored once on three power-play opportunities
in the first two periods of Saturday’s win over the Montreal Canadiens. It’s an area that is under scrutiny after a disastrous stretch last season. After scoring 11 goals with the man advantage in their first 12 games, they faltered badly in late February and finished the season among the worst in the league in that category.
The problems were twofold:
The first unit featured Rocket Richard Trophy winner Auston Matthews and his quick, accurate
release. In time, though, it became predictable to defend.
Nylander moved to the second unit, with the coaching staff trying out big bodies such as Joe Thornton and Wayne Simmonds in the low post in the first group. It worked for a while, but opponents started to figure that out as well.
Now, with new assistant coach Spencer Carbery joining Manny Malholtra to direct the power play, it’s expected the Leafs will reload the top unit with their best players. That could mean Matthews, Nylander, Mitch Marner and John Tavares all working together, with Morgan Rielly or Rasmus Sandin on the point. Veteran Jason Spezza is also an option.
Unlike most of his teammates, Nylander produced in the Leafs’ seven-game playoff loss to the Canadiens, leading the team with five goals and eight points.
It was an extension of his regular season, when Keefe praised Nylander’s ability to control the flow of the game and the offensive zone.
Among Leafs forwards who played 50 or more games, Nylander led the way in puck possession at 55 per cent. He also started in the offensive zone 59 per cent of the time, second on the team.
There was a gap on the scoresheet, however. While Marner led the Leafs with 67 points in the 56-game season, one more than Matthews, Nylander finished with 42. That’s a difference that they hope will narrow.
The solution might be an improved power play, where Nylander managed just four goals last season.