The Maple Leafs certainly have been doing exactly that, going 4-0-2 in his absence as part of their recent hot streak that has them back in the postseason race at 22-15-7 for 51 points, one behind the Washington Capitals for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.
That they were able to get themselves back into contention without the services of their leading scorer in Nylander, who has 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 34 games, is a reflection of how good the team has been as a collective of late.
“I mean, it’s not fun sitting out and watching,” he said. “But, I mean, the team was playing great. So it’s been fun watching them play great.”
What has been the key to the team’s turnaround?
“It’s hard to say why,” he said. “I think, you know, we’ve just taken it to another level. Everybody’s been more connected. I think that’s a big factor.”
