William Nylander's confidence with the puck 'unmatched' for Maple Leafs

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They see what he does every day.

And yet, the jaws of William Nylander’s Maple Leafs teammates drop every so often.

Before the Leafs and Ottawa Senators met on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena, the latest example came on Saturday during the Leafs’ 4-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens.

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In what could wind up as Nylander’s prettiest goal of 2024-25, he carried the puck through the neutral zone during a Toronto power play, cut through the Canadiens defence and beat goalie Samuel Montembeault low on the glove side.

It’s the kind of goal that doesn’t happen a lot in the National Hockey League any more.

“It takes a lot to be able to read that in that scenario, because often there isn’t that space there, so to be able to read it, take it and then take advantage of it and hit the back of the net, that’s really impressive,” Leafs winger Bobby McMann said.

“His confidence with the puck is unmatched. He’s able to make plays when there doesn’t seem to be a play to be made, and the puck has been hitting the back of the net for him, and rightfully so. He has been generating a lot of chances.”

Before NHL games on Tuesday, Nylander’s 11 goals had him tied for second in the league. And he was on pace for 56, which would obliterate his season-high of 40, done twice.

“He’s just so relaxed,” winger Nick Robertson said. “I don’t even know if he has a routine, he just comes to the rink with a big smile and gets on the ice and scores goals.

“I wish I could be like that, but maybe one day.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun