William Nylander Opens Up on Meeting With Craig Berube and His Early-Season Struggles
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Craig Berube called out William Nylander for his lack of shot-production and offense this season, and the star forward responded in the best possible way he could.
After Monday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was asked about forward William Nylander's cold start this season, and he mentioned he needed to give him a pep talk.
There should be no concerns about Nylander considering how good he is, coupled with new faces and the start of a new season, but a slow start isn't giving fans any anxiety relief.
William Nylander Confident His Game Can Turn Around
But according to Nylander, his chat with 'Chief' went well, and understands that his game takes a bit of time but that it's going to come together soon:
It's coming along. It's always slow at the beginning of the season so just getting that back. That was just a good conversation. That's about it
Berube himself was happy with how Nylander turned things around against Nashville and that it was only just a matter of time:
Willie did what he does. He had the puck. He's making good decisions, driving it deep, and doing what he does in the offensive zone. I thought they were responsible defensively.
I was happy with the line. I thought they were very impactful.
I was happy with the line. I thought they were very impactful.
In terms of their conversation it's hard to know what was discussed but knowing their relationship is one built on Berube's trust in Nylander and the forward's insistence on staying quiet; at least something got through to him.
It's not like he's stagnating offensively, he leads the team with seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) but had only three shots until Tuesday's game; he had four alone against Nashville which is a massive positive going further.
William Nylander's Early Struggles Nothing New To Maple Leafs Fans
He also played his best defensive game, only giving the puck away once but nabbing three takeaways and had a block. It was the best overall game he's played and just rings true to what he said earlier.
It was the same last year with four points in four games (3 goals, 1 assists) but he managed to finish with 84 points (45 goals, 39 assists) so, we've seen this before and he'll be just fine.
Tuesday felt like Toronto Maple Leafs hockey. They were forechecking, they were scoring goals, the top stars were performing (and they let in a few bad ones too).
We have to take the good with the bad at any point in the season, and while it's early and the team has struggled a bit, at least William Nylander is turning the corner.
For Maple Leafs fans, they are hoping that turn leads them directly on the highway to the Stanley Cup.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 15|969 ANSWERS William Nylander Opens Up on Meeting With Craig Berube and His Early-Season Struggles Has William Nylander picked up his game enough for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 507 | 52.3 % |
| No | 462 | 47.7 % |
| List of polls | ||