The Maple Leafs have certainly done just that, going 4-0-2 in his absence as part of their recent hot streak that has them back in the playoff race at 22-15-7 for 51 points, one behind the Washington Capitals for the second Eastern Conference wild card.
The fact that they were able to get back into contention without the services of their leading scorer, Nylander, who has 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 34 games, reflects how good the team has been as a collective of late.
“I mean, it’s not fun to sit around and watch,” he said. “But I mean, the team was playing really well. So it was fun to see them play well.”
What was the key to the team’s turnaround?
“It’s hard to say why,” he said. “I think, you know, we’ve just taken it to another level. Everyone is more connected. I think that’s a big factor.”
