Filled with anticipation
Packed arena, Nylander on penalty kill add to opening-day buzz
We knew that some surprises would still lurk as the world returns to a sense of normality and the pandemic eases.
But William Nylander killing penalties for the Maple Leafs? Who had that on their COVID-19 bingo card?
Fans will have to get used to a few new things now that full-capacity seating (about 19,800) has been approved for Wednesday night’s season opener against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. That alone is a welcome turn of events for the players.
“We’ve missed that energy,” Nylander said before Saturday night’s final preseason game, a 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had that full barn. We’re all looking forward to it. The energy that they bring is amazing.”
“It’s a good sign,” said defenceman Morgan Rielly. “We’ve got to keep it going in that direction.”
But the world does feel a little bit upside down with Nylander killing penalties, though it is a testament to his maturing game.
“I like it,” he said. “Some games, you get out on the PK and you’re able to ... get moving versus sitting on the bench for an extended period of time. It’s great. I was happy that they brought it up.”
The idea occurred to the Leafs’ coaching staff at the end of the season. They ran it by Nylander, while praising his all-around game.
“I feel like he took big steps in his game last season in terms of his attention to detail defensively, and his play without the puck in general,” said coach Sheldon Keefe. “He was just consistently more competitive on the puck.
“And then you see his skill set within
that. He’s strong and quick. He’s got a really good stick to pick off pucks. Of course, he’s dangerous in transition going the other way. So we just see some growth in him. When we see growth in a player, we feel like his role is to grow as well to reflect that.”
The change in Nylander’s role is an on-ice development that fans will have some fun debating. There’s less room for debate about the protocols in place for fans within the building.
> While the lower bowl can be filled to capacity, physical distancing — groups six feet apart — will still be required at the restaurants and bars within Scotiabank Arena.
> The facility has switched entirely to contact-free entry via mobile phone, and contactless payment at food and beverage kiosks. So no cash.
> Proof of vaccination is required for anyone 12 and over.
> Any bags larger than a clutch will be X-rayed, not handsearched.
These protocols have also been in place for limited-capacity pre-season games, including Saturday when the building was more than half-full, so some season subscribers will have experienced it. But not everyone will quickly adapt. So the team is encouraging fans to arrive earlier than usual in anticipation of longer lines.
Another big change won’t be visible: upgraded air-replacement and air-filtration systems.
“We have created an environment in the arena that is safe and healthy,” Nick Eaves, MLSE’s chief venues and operations officer, told the Star. “One of the biggest changes in the building is the way we approach the whole cleaning, disinfecting and sanitization ... We’ve done a lot to really enhance the air circulation in the building.
“We’re exchanging building air regularly. We put in air-purification units in smaller spaces where the air can’t be exchanged as regularly.”
The return of a full house — safely, with protocols in place — means a lot to Rielly.
“We’re looking forward to having our fans back in the building; we missed them all last year,” said Rielly. “The noise, the feeling in the rink, people cheering, lots of blue jerseys and stuff. We missed that atmosphere.
“It’s hard to put your finger on it, but it’s just a feeling when you get to late in the game and you hear the crowd noise, it really gives our team a boost. We’re looking forward to having that back, and I hope people looking forward to coming back. I think there’s a lot to be happy about.”