May 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) celebrates his first of two goals as Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues (17) reacts during the first period of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/2ae85e41-3475-4984-8be5-8867aae2a13e.jpeg] May 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) celebrates his first of two goals as Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues (17) reacts during the first period of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images When William Nylander slotted home his fifth goal of the postseason on Monday night against the Florida Panthers, he stuck his tongue out in celebration before being embraced by his linemate Max Pacioretty. The 29-year-old has been red-hot all playoff long. During the first round against the Ottawa Senators, Nylander scored three goals and seven assists for 10 points in six games. Two of his three goals in the series came in Game 6, when Toronto ended Ottawa's season. His play is a testament to his work ethic all season long. What can't be forgotten, too, is his ability to be a game-breaker when Toronto needs it most. And after a strong start in Game 1 against the Panthers, which included a Nylander goal 33 seconds in, he continued the onslaught with another goal 12 minutes after. Nylander finished the game with three points, putting himself in a three-way tie with Mikko Rantanen and Kyle Connor for the most points during the NHL playoffs. ‘He's a Pit Bull With Some Nice Hands’: How Matthew Knies Continues To Evolve Into Playoff Difference-Maker For Maple Leafs [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/699fd866-6bc7-4dde-800d-40db92be5cf9.jpeg] ‘He's a Pit Bull With Some Nice Hands’: How Matthew Knies Continues To Evolve Into Playoff Difference-Maker For Maple Leafs Matthew Knies is only 22 years old, but he's not playing like it on the NHL’s biggest stage in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/hes-a-pit-bull-with-some-nice-hands-how-matthew-knies-continues-to-evolve-into-playoff-difference-maker-for-maple-leafs] "I don't know about his golf game, but I would hate to bet against him in golf because he seems like he would never miss a small putt," Max Pacioretty smiled on Tuesday [https://x.com/nickbarden/status/1919807039867363780] morning, reflecting on Nylander's performance throughout the playoffs. The forward has never shied away from the pressure, either. In early January, the Maple Leafs were boo'd off the ice inside Scotiabank Arena after a third straight loss. The next day, Nylander spoke with the media and addressed the losing streak, saying, "I mean, it's only been three games, so what's the big deal, really?" ‘Doesn't Really Matter If They Boo’: Mitch Marner And William Nylander Respond To Boos Amid Maple Leafs’ Three-Game Losing Skid [https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/NEIoZgdn/poster.jpg?width=720] ‘Doesn't Really Matter If They Boo’: Mitch Marner And William Nylander Respond To Boos Amid Maple Leafs’ Three-Game Losing Skid Losing 4-1 on Tuesday, the Leafs were booed off the ice for the second straight game at Scotiabank Arena. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/doesnt-really-matter-if-they-boo-mitch-marner-and-william-nylander-respond-to-boos-amid-maple-leafs-three-game-losing-skid] In the following game, a 4-3 overtime win against the New Jersey Devils, Nylander had two goals and an assist, including the game-winner in the extra frame. Nothing appears to faze him. "He's got ice in his veins," Pacioretty added Tuesday. "Sometimes in the playoffs, after a good game like he had in Game 6, it's easy to kind of sit back and say, 'You know, I'm good here for a little bit.' But he comes out and scores 30 seconds in, first shot of the game, and it kind of shows how clutch he is and how well he's able to perform under pressure." It's going to be a difficult series against the Panthers after what we witnessed in Game 1, with Anthony Stolarz going to the hospital after Sam Bennett's forearm caught him in the head. 'I Don't Know Yet': Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz Questionable For Game 2 Vs. Panthers [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/952a5070-502e-4fe7-bf28-aa2d7bd12b41.jpeg] 'I Don't Know Yet': Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz Questionable For Game 2 Vs. Panthers Although Anthony Stolarz <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919586839746269294">reportedly left Scotiabank Arena on a stretcher</a> and was evaluated in hospital, there's still a chance, according to head coach Craig Berube, that he starts Game 2 for the Toronto Maple Leafs. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/i-dont-know-yet-maple-leafs-anthony-stolarz-questionable-for-game-2-vs-panthers] Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has mentioned it numerous times: it's going to be a physically demanding series. Toronto needs to remain composed throughout the Panthers' in-game shenanigans. "Nothing bothers him. He just goes out and plays," Berube said before Game 1 of the series. "It may not be on that shift for him or the next shift, or even the one after that, but at some point, I think he understands that he's going to get an opportunity, and when he does, he makes teams pay." Maple Leafs’ ‘Business-Like’ Mindset Overcomes Potential Playoff Disaster to Advance to Second Round [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/729f5a49-934d-4743-9040-9fec4291cdc7.jpeg] Maple Leafs’ ‘Business-Like’ Mindset Overcomes Potential Playoff Disaster to Advance to Second Round KANATA, Ont. — When the final horn sounded at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrated their 4-2 win against the Ottawa Senators, pushing them through to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-business-like-mindset-overcomes-potential-playoff-disaster-to-advance-to-second-round] They've done a good job of it, with Nylander at the forefront of their goal scoring in Game 1. It'll be fascinating to see if it continues throughout the series as it gets tougher. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
