Feb 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander (88) passes the puck in the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
There is no fooling William Nylander.
The Toronto Maple Leafs earned their fourth straight win by the skin of their teeth on Friday night, defeating the New York Rangers 3-2 at Madison Square Garden. The Leafs were outshot 35-17, and the game came down to a matter of inches, including a significant goal off a broken play from the 28-year-old.
Early into the second period, the game was tied 1-1, and William Nylander had a partial breakaway. Charging ahead one-on-one with Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, New York defenseman Urho Vaakanainen lifted Nylander’s stick, causing him to lose control of the puck and preventing a clean shot attempt.
Amid the chaos, Nylander ended up redirecting the puck toward the net, causing Vaakanainen to hit the puck off Shesterkin and narrowly trickle across the goal line for a good goal.
Initially, the on-ice call was no goal, but after video review, it was confirmed that the puck had indeed crossed the goal line, and Nylander was credited with his team-leading 34th goal of the season.
“I was going to shoot, but I kind of got hooked a little bit, so the puck ended up behind the net,” Nylander explained after the game. “I just tried to throw it in front, and then it was in the net. I don’t really know what happened.”
Despite the uncertainty, Nylander claims he knew the puck had crossed the line.
“I saw it cross the line, so I knew it was a goal,” he added. “But, yeah, I didn’t know exactly what happened.”
The goal not only marked a lead change in the tight contest but also earned Nylander his 251st career regular-season goal, tying him for 10th most in Maple Leafs history alongside Bob Pulford.
“Yeah, I mean, that’s pretty wild to think like that,” Nylander reflected. “A lot of unbelievable players have played here, so, obviously, it’s crazy to be 10th on that list for sure.”
The Swede’s marker was especially significant considering the uncertainty surrounding his health after he was seen favoring his wrist/hand during Tuesday’s game in Boston and did not participate in the overtime period.
However, Nylander was back to his normal self by Friday morning, fully participating in practice and skating in his usual spot alongside John Tavares and Pontus Holmberg – later telling reporters that he was good to go with no limitations.
‘He’s 100 Percent Today’: Maple Leafs’ William Nylander Avoids Injury Scare, Ready To Suit Up Against Rangers
<i>Dec 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) speaks to an opposing player as he prepares to take a faceoff against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</i>
Through 59 games, Nylander has 34 goals, 25 assists, and 59 points as he and the Leafs have a rare off night on Saturday and are set to resume action on Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.
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