There are many storylines heading into Game 2 between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday.
But none are bigger than the status of Toronto forward William Nylander, who missed the 5-1 loss in Game 1 with an undisclosed injury.
“We’ll see how he feels here the rest of the day here and make a decision,” Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said after morning skate Monday.
Nick Robertson stepped into the lineup to replace Nylander in Game 1, playing on Toronto’s third line.
Nylander took part in Maple Leafs’ morning skate on Monday, but with some caveats. The 27-year-old did not line up with the Toronto power play, a spot he usually thrives in. And, after the skate ended, Nylander remained on the ice with the other players who are projected to be scratched in Game 2.
Nylander played in all 82 regular-season games for Toronto, tallying 98 points (40 goals, 58 assists). But once the season ended, he became a storyline, not skating with the team since Thursday and not playing in Game 1.
And in that game, Toronto really missed him.
Boston dominated most of Game 1, scoring the first four goals and riding an excellent performance from goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Toronto has not defeated Boston in the playoffs since 1959.
They could use a boost from their second-ranked scorer in Game 2.
“[It’s] tough for him, but hopefully he won’t miss too much and he’ll be back,” Toronto defenseman Timothy Liljegren said. “[It’s] hard to replace Willy. But we’ve had guys step up when guys go down all year, so it will be no different this time.”
Since getting past the first round for the first time in 19 years, the Maple Leafs have lost five of six playoff games. They dropped three straight and four of five in a 4-1 series defeat to the Florida Panthers in 2023, followed by the lopsided Game 1 loss to Boston on Saturday.
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