William Nylander, the talented winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is on the brink of making his debut in Game 4 of their playoff series against the Boston Bruins. Nylander recently disclosed to the media that he has been sidelined for the past two weeks due to an undisclosed injury that has kept him out of the first three postseason games. However, all signs point to Nylander being ready to return to the lineup for Saturday’s crucial game against Boston.
During Friday’s practice session, Nylander was seen skating alongside Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok on a regular line. Additionally, he was taking reps on the first power-play unit, indicating that he is close to being game-ready. Despite the mystery surrounding his injury, Nylander seemed optimistic about his potential availability for Game 4, stating, “We’ll see. I don’t know for sure.”
Coach’s Optimism and Team’s Need for Nylander
Head coach Sheldon Keefe echoed Nylander’s positive outlook, commenting that the winger looked “great” on the ice during practice. Keefe emphasized that the final decision on Nylander’s status will be made closer to game time on Saturday. The Leafs could certainly benefit from Nylander’s return, especially considering his impressive scoring record in the regular season and playoffs.
Nylander’s offensive prowess, evident by his 40-goal season and 40 points in 50 previous postseason games, could provide a much-needed boost for Toronto in Game 4. The Leafs have struggled to find the back of the net against the Bruins, managing only six goals in the first three games. Furthermore, their power play has been lackluster, converting only once in eleven opportunities. Having Nylander back in the lineup would not only enhance Toronto’s offensive capabilities but also improve their performance on special teams.
Opponent’s Goaltending Situation
As Toronto prepares for Game 4, the Boston Bruins are also facing decisions in their goaltending department. Coach Jim Montgomery has been rotating between Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark in the playoffs, with Swayman starting and winning Games 1 and 3. Despite this success, there is speculation that Ullmark might get the nod for Game 4, following his last start in Game 2.
Montgomery emphasized that the Bruins are sticking to their pre-established plan regarding goaltending but refrained from confirming the starter for the upcoming match. Regardless of who gets the nod, both goaltenders have proven themselves capable of standing tall in the crease, posing a challenge for the Leafs’ offense.
William Nylander’s imminent return for Game 4 of the playoff series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins is highly anticipated. His offensive skills and playoff experience make him a valuable asset for the Leafs as they seek to even the series before heading back to Boston for Game 5. As the tension mounts for both teams, Nylander’s return could be a game-changer in determining the outcome of Saturday’s crucial matchup.
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