TORONTO – “What’s up, teammate?”
Alex wanted to surprise William with the happy news. But regular manager Brad Treliving already let the cat out of the bag and called up his top scorer while William was shopping for new faucets for his condo renovation with his father, Michael, who got excited.
“You don’t really see that in him,” Alex told reporters.
“Two sons playing on the same NHL team is probably pretty special. Only a couple of parents get the experience,” William added.
Michael was in the barn on Sunday for the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 comeback victory over Utah HC, the night his two sons (brothers, roommates, carpool friends and best friends) had been trying to demonstrate since childhood.
The dream they had a brief taste of at the 2016 world junior championships, when they shared a couple of turns in those blinding yellow Tre Kronor sweaters before a concussion ended William’s tournament early.
On Sunday, they posed during warmups for a photo in blue and white sweaters with identical NYLANDER license plates, and shared some swings and some power-play time thanks to coach Craig Berube’s subtle sentimentality.
“If you take away the numbers, it’s hard to tell them apart,” Chris Tanev said.
To make for a happy finish, William scored the breakaway winner, a cheeky five-hole deposit through the wickets of Karel Vejmelka. Technically, Nylander’s 14th of the season will fall unassisted, but everyone knew the superstar got a boost from seeing his little brother on the same sheet.
“I felt pretty crazy,” William smiled. “Words really can’t describe it. “I think this is what every pair of hockey-playing brothers would probably want when they were kids.”
“It’s just an incredible feeling. It is something I will remember forever,” said Alex, whose promotion to the big club came after Seven The Leafs’ regular forwards were no longer available.
“Obviously I had to work hard every shift. Be heavy on the checkup. Win battles. And when I do that, the rest of my game comes. Obviously, trying to use my shot as much as possible, creating plays and being good defensively.”
William pitched: “If he stays up, it would be nice to do a few more (shifts) together.”
Alex took two shots to the net and fit perfectly, as would be expected from a 26-year-old with 122 games of NHL experience, but his time on ice (10:37) ranked second-lowest among the Leafs. .
That’s important because healthy bodies are arriving.
Captain Auston Matthews, whose team surprisingly improved to 7-1 without him, skated Saturday and Sunday and announced Wednesday as a possible return date.
Matthew Knies also took the ice on Sunday for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury due to the management of Zach Whitecloud.
And Max Domi is eligible to come off injured reserve whenever he gets the green light.
In other words, some of these kids and call-ups will return to the minors this week.
As wonderful and unique as Nylander’s reunion was, Alex will have a hard time carving out a regular spot in the lineup on a roster filled with hungry forwards in the bottom six.
“Something I’m sure they’ll remember for a long time,” Mitch Marner said, recognizing a couple of beauties after scoring a couple of beauties.
“A lot of guys there (with the Marlies) can definitely play on a full-time NHL roster. So, we have a lot of confidence in whoever is in our lineup.”
While who’s in the lineup doesn’t seem to matter much in Toronto these days, as the Leafs stick to the system and seem to win anyway, who’s in the lineup was a story on Sunday.
And, with all eyes on Matthews’ return, it will be again on Wednesday at Dawn.
“It is a special situation. Very happy for both of them and for their father,” Berube said.
“We will see if we recover any healthy bodies. But you know it will be a battle, starting in Florida.”
• Family facts: The Nylanders became the first brothers in more than 37 years to play together in a game for the Maple Leafs and the fifth set in normal, following Barry and Brian Cullen, Don and Nick Metz, Artwork and Busher Jackson, and Miroslav and Peter. Ihnacak.
A smiling Morgan Rielly, when asked if he was ever teammates with his older brother, Connor: “I don’t think he’d be offended if I said this, but we were playing at different levels.”
• Despite encouraging Marner and William Nylander to practice draws and discussing them as central options both publicly and behind the scenes, Berube has been reluctant to move from the wing.
“I still think it’s very important to have someone who has the experience and the reps on the ice,” Berube explains. “Plus, if you put Willy or Mitch in the middle, it’s a lot of work, and these guys are doing a good job with the position they’re in right now.”
• Downtown traffic was so horrendous after the conclusion of the Santa Claus Parade that the Utah players walked to the Scotiabank Area from their lodge.
There’s no point in taking the team bus when the bus can’t move.
• Fraser Minten began wearing a neck guard last season when the CHL required it for youth players. He gave up the extra protection during summer skates, but started to feel touchy.
“Now it feels regular,” he says. “Why not, if that means a little less risk?”
**PAA Question:** Analyze the potential impact of the Nylander brothers’ reunion on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ team chemistry and performance, considering both the emotional boost and the possible challenges of integrating a new player into established lineups.
## The Nylanders Unite: A World Today News Interview
Welcome to World Today News, where we bring you the latest and greatest in sports! Today, we’re joined by two special guests to discuss the incredible story of brothers Alex and William Nylander taking the ice together for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Joining us are:
* **John Smith**, a veteran NHL analyst known for his insightful commentary and deep understanding of the game.
* **Sarah Jones**, a longtime hockey fan and contributor to several online sports publications, bringing a fresh perspective and passion for the sport.
**Part 1: The Family Affair**
* **Host:** John and Sarah, the NHL world was buzzing this weekend about Alex and William Nylander sharing the ice for the Leafs. This is a truly special moment for them and their family. Before we delve into the implications for the team, can you both share your initial reaction to seeing these brothers playing together in the big leagues?
* **John:**
* **Sarah:**
* **Host:** William mentioned that playing together was “something every pair of hockey-playing brothers probably dreams of.” How important is it for young athletes to have that kind of role model and shared experience? Can it inspire a new generation of players?
* **John:**
* **Sarah:**
**Part 2: On-Ice Impact and Lineup Dynamics**
* **Host:** While the emotional aspect of this story is undeniable, we can’t ignore the strategic implications. Alex, playing in his first NHL game this season, had a solid performance. John, do you think he has the potential to stick around with the Leafs beyond this incredible moment?
* **John:**
* **Host:** Sarah, the article mentions a few other key players nearing a return to the lineup. How might that affect Alex’s chances of staying in the NHL?
* **Sarah:**
* **Host:** Coach Berube seems to be balancing strategic considerations with recognizing the special opportunity this reunion presents. What are your thoughts on his approach to managing this unique situation?
* **John:**
* **Sarah:**
**Part 3: Looking Ahead**
* **Host:** This story has definitely sparked a lot of conversation. John, what broader impacts do you see this having on the Leafs organization and even the NHL as a whole?
* **John:**
* **Host:** Sarah, where do you think these brothers go from here? And what kind of legacy do you think they might leave behind in the NHL?
* **Sarah:**
* **Host**:
Thank you both for joining us today. This has been a fantastic discussion about a heartwarming and historic moment in the world of hockey. We wish Alex and William Nylander all the best in their continued journey together.
Let us know what you think about the Nylander brothers’ reunion in the comments below.
