Injured Leafs forward Nylander a game-time call
Written by I Dig SportsWilliam Nylander will be a game-time decision for Game 3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs' first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against Boston on Wednesday.
The Leafs' winger missed Game 1 and Game 2 with an undisclosed injury. The series is tied 1-1.
"There's a chance," said Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe of Nylander stepping back in. Keefe confirmed the decision will hinge on how Nylander feels throughout the day.
Nylander was a full participant in Toronto's morning skate Wednesday, appearing on a line with Calle Jarnkrok and Pontus Holmberg. It was the first time Nylander had skated in a regular position since the injury, although he had been on the ice at least twice before Wednesday's workout.
Nylander, 27, then stayed out late following the skate and did extra drills with the Leafs' projected scratches, leaving some question about whether he'd be ready to return.
Toronto projects to get an offensive boost if he does play. He is coming off a 40-goal season with a career-best 98 points. He has also been a consistent playoff performer, registering 17 goals and 40 points in 50 postseason outings.
While Nylander did participate in Toronto's skate, forward Auston Matthews was absent from the otherwise fully attended activity. Keefe confirmed Matthews will be available for Game 3 and skipped the morning skate for additional rest. Matthews was the Leafs' workhorse in a 3-2 Game 2 victory, scoring the game-winning goal with two assists.
Keefe had rookie Nick Robertson place-holding for Matthews on the Leafs' top line at the skate. Robertson did not stay out for extra work though, indicating he was an option to play Wednesday if Nylander were to be sidelined again.