Maple Leafs’ Dynamic Second Line Beginning to Shine

A notable change this season is Nylander’s added role on the penalty kill. He’s logged nearly three minutes in the last two games alone. This defensive responsibility shows how much he’s grown over the season (and really over his career). Already this season, he’s surpassed last season’s penalty kill minutes in just 36 games.

Nylander’s offensive achievements are equally strong. He was the first Maple Leafs player to reach the 50-point mark this season. And, as noted, he finds himself among the leaders in NHL scoring. Right now, his elite company includes Boston Bruins David Pastrnak and Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid.

Tyler Bertuzzi: Finding His Stride

Recently, I critized Tyler Bertuzzi for a slow start. However, he’s seemed to have found his stride and become a stronger contributor on the second line. In a his best performance of the season against the Los Angeles Kings, Bertuzzi showed his playmaking skills and offensive power. He was clearly the Maple Leafs’ best forward in that game.

In Bertuzzi’s resurgence, he’s put up seven points in his last nine games. For someone who’s been slow off the mark, this showing represents a significant uptick in production. He’s been relentless diging out pucks along the boards and has made a few really key plays. For example his no-look pass to Nylander resulted in a goal. In short, he’s getting better and (as a result) the line is getting stronger.

John Tavares: A Reliable Force

John Tavares has been a key to the Maple Leafs’ second line. His offensive persistence and scoring has been the difference that helps his linemates in ways fans don’t always see. His power-play goal against the Ducks was a key to the win. It pushed a hard-fought game to overtime and ended the Ducks goalie’s shutout streak.

Tavares has contributed three goals and one assist in his last six games. And, while that’s not up to a point-a-game pace, the scores came when it mattered. He’s been a key leader of this second line.

The Bottom Line: A Well-Balanced Second Line

Together, Nylander, Bertuzzi, and Tavares form a second line that seems to be a perfect blend of offensive power and defensive responsibility. Nylander just keeps putting up point streaks on the season. Bertuzzi seems to be finding an offensive rhythm. And, Tavares (no pun intended) is the center of everything.

The Maple Leafs dynamic trio is a solid balance for the first line of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and the quickly-improving Matthew Knies. The line’s standout play of the second line, if it continues, could become a game-changer for the team as they work through this regular season’s challenges.