Maple Leafs Lock In Starting Goalie and Make Final Call on William Nylander vs. Flames
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Update (Oct. 28, 5:58PM): The Toronto Maple Leafs will have William Nylander back against the Flames as he was seen skating during warmups and is back in the lineup.
Update (Oct. 28, 5:41PM): The Toronto Maple Leafs may have William Nylander back against the Flames as he was seen skating during warmups.
Also interesting to see Sammy Blais taking the ice for the team as he would be Nylander's replacement, though it looks like we may Nylander playing after all:
Ahead of their game against the basement-dwelling Calgary Flames, the Toronto Maple Leafs have named their goalie and given an update regarding William Nylander.
Coming off a win against the Buffalo Sabres, the Maple Leafs head to Scotiabank Arena to take on the Calgary Flames in front of a hometown crowd ready to make it two in a row.
The team is currently dealing with some injuries that are causing some headaches, however some of the new faces are coming together and finding their stride exactly when they need to.
William Nylander's Status Remains a Key Question Before Puck Drop
So with the Maple Leafs hoping they get their injured back sooner than later, is there any chance someone could make a surprise return?
If anyone does, it could be the team's leading scorer: William Nylander.
According to head coach Craig Berube, the Maple Leafs could end up seeing Nylander back on the ice if he feels good enough and a game-time decision is better than a complete absence.
Nylander has been on fire to start the season, with 14 points through the first eight games (3 goals, 11 assists) and has shown some elite playmaking ability, and has stepped up with the absence of Mitch Marner.
It's important because if Nylander misses, that's yet another key facet, if not the key facet to their offense this year.
Anthony Stolarz Gets the Nod in Net for Toronto
Anthony Stolarz will get the call as he tries to get himself back on track after an uncharacteristic start, making it his ninth start in eleven games.
If Nylander can't get the call however, it looks like we are going to see the Maple Leafs debut of Sammy Blais, and there is going to be a ton of lineup shuffling in the hours before they take the ice.
Blais was claimed off waivers earlier this season and has yet to play even though he's a very reliable and solid veteran who is quite familiar with how Craig Berube employs his players.
One story to keep track of tonight is John Tavares and his quest for goal #500, and he can actually emulate franchise icon Mats Sundin, who also scored his 500th career goal against the Flames.
It's going to be a tough game for the Maple Leafs because although Calgary is having a rough season so far, they are coming off a dominant 5-1 win over the New York Rangers which is sure to give them some confidence.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will take on Calgary with one goal in mind, which is to keep their momentum going.
If Nylander does return, it could be the exact boost the Maple Leafs need to build momentum and start off a real hot streak that puts them atop the Atlantic.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 28|583 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Lock In Starting Goalie and Make Final Call on William Nylander vs. Flames Can Toronto defeat Calgary without William Nylander's help? | ||
| Yes | 409 | 70.2 % |
| No | 174 | 29.8 % |
| List of polls | ||