William Nylander is not selected for this weekend’s All-Star game in Florida. But on Monday, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward was named the league’s second star for the week ending Jan. 29, and that’s exactly where he wants to be among the league’s best players.
– That’s what I’m trying to do and that’s where my game can be. I expect that from myself, says Nylander to NHL.com/sv.
Nylander became the second star of the week after scoring seven points (4+3) in four games. That brought him up to a total of 59 (28+31) in 51 games this season which is the most on the Maple Leafs and 14th most in the entire league.
Video: TOR-WSH: Nylander takes his own return
– Of course it feels good. It’s nice to get that recognition. But all we have to do is win games, it doesn’t matter that much, says the Swede about being named the second star of the week.
– He is playing really good hockey, as he has done throughout the season. He really deserves the second star. It’s fun for him and for the team, that he contributes the way he does. I am happy that he is playing well for himself and for the team, comments Toronto defender Rasmus Sandin.
Nylander has taken on a big role for the Maple Leafs this season. Especially the last few rounds there Auston Matthews missing due to injury, an injury that will keep him out for at least three weeks.
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– I haven’t thought much about it. I think everyone steps up when Auston is missing. Everyone has to work a little harder to try and cover for him.
Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe believes that Nylander got the opportunity to control more of the Maple Leafs’ game with Matthews gone. And took it.
– It is hard to say. It is clear that you like players to understand that they have to step forward. There will be more puck available, whether on the power play or five-on-five. More games will go through certain players. “Will” finds ways to heal to contribute for us and that’s part of why we were able to get the results we got, says Keefe.
Despite his fine season, Nylander was not selected for the Atlantic Division’s All-Star team, which will gather in Florida this weekend for the skills competition and the match itself. But on social media, the voices of fans about his presence have still been strong.
– I have no idea about it. I don’t use social media on my phone. But of course it means a lot to have the support of the fans, says Nylander.
