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Nylander ready to roll versus Rangers

10 1
02.03.2025

The New York Rangers (optional) and Toronto Maple Leafs skated at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

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William Nylander is downplaying concern after an undisclosed issue forced him to remain on the bench during overtime on Tuesday night in Boston.

"I just felt that I couldn't go and perform to my best in that moment in the game," the winger said. "So, yeah, it was tough. Tough to feel like that, but it's all good."

Nylander had his glove off and seemed to be looking at his hand or wrist on the bench. He insists the ailment will not be an issue on Friday when the Leafs face the New York Rangers.

"I'm fine," he said after participating fully in the team's morning skate. "I'm fine."

Head coach Craig Berube believes Nylander is now back to 100 per cent.

"It's business as usual," Berube stressed. "He feels good."

Nylander has produced three assists in three games since the 4 Nations Face-Off, but has landed just four shots on net.

"I felt pretty good, to be honest," he said. "I was lucky enough to get some days [off] there in between our win against USA [and the resumption of the regular season] so that was nice."

Nylander was given Wednesday's practice off to catch up on some rest and Thursday was a day off for the Leafs in New York City. How did he spend it?

"Ah, shopping, sushi," he revealed with a smile. "A little sauna and then cold tubs, and more sushi, actually, for dinner. It was crazy."

Nylander has been feasting on opposing goalies this season. He leads the Leafs with 33 goals, which is tied for second in the league.

"The way he's been for the past couple years has been unbelievable," said Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad. "It's been fun to follow. It's been fun to watch. I mean, the sky's the limit for him. I don't think he's hit his potential yet and that says a lot."

Zibanejad and Nylander played on the same line while with Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

"He thinks a lot about the way other teams play and trying to break them down in that way," Nylander said.

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Auston Matthews also got Wednesday's practice off.

"I feel fine," said the centre, who has gone 12 games, including three at the 4 Nations Face-Off, without a 5-on-5 goal. "Getting looks. Obviously a couple posts, it could be frustrating at times, but we're playing well."

Matthews potted an empty-net goal on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, but hasn't scored on a goalie since Jan. 22. He does have 12 assists in this snakebitten stretch.

"I mean, it's fine," he said. "Like, we're winning games. We're getting the........

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