Craig Berube says William Nylander had his best game in a while despite losing to Sharks

William Nylander, who had no points in his last four games, was bumped to the third line and had a hot and cold night. The bump seemed to help him in regulation, getting an assist on every goal, but it left Klingberg with far too much time to shoot for the equalizer and also gave the puck away in the offensive zone in overtime.

Still, head coach Craig Berube said the two-assist effort was the best he’s seen from Nylander in a while and he seemed pleased with his star forward’s performance.

“It was the best game I’ve seen him play in a while,” Berube said of Nylander. “He was engaged. When I see him skating and handling the puck and holding the puck and doing the things he did with the puck tonight, I know he was ready to go.”

To add another element of insult to the injury, it appears the team could be down another defenseman. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who has been excellent at the back end for the Maple Leafs all year, tangled with Sharks forward Adam Gaudette shortly after the start of the third period and ended up awkwardly along the boards. He seemed to favor his right ankle and needed help getting off the ice. Berube remained mum on Ekman-Larsson’s status after the match, saying the team would get a better update the next day. He also offered a few updates on fellow defensemen Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo.

Berube also noted that the Leafs were not in the driver’s seat in the third period, which ultimately led to the equalizer for a hungry Sharks side.

“In the third period, to me, we didn’t come out and dictate how the game should be played. We turned the pucks over, passively, you know, we didn’t finish them.”

The Maple Leafs will look to get back in the win column on Saturday when they host the Edmonton Oilers.

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER