William Nylander Shines in Career-Best Season Start with Maple Leafs
In a standout performance, William Nylander has kicked off the 2023-24 NHL season with remarkable success. The forward has recorded six goals and 14 assists, totaling 20 points through his first 11 games. This achievement marks his best start to a season in his NHL career.
Nylander’s Impressive Stats
Nylander’s 20 points place him in a six-way tie for second among NHL skaters. Interestingly, all players tied or leading in points have played at least 13 games. This emphasizes the significance of Nylander’s early-season productivity.
Key Contributions and Assists
- Nylander’s goals: 6
- Nylander’s assists: 14
- Primary assists: 11, tying with Evgeni Malkin for the league lead
- Points in wins: 14 out of 20
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube noted Nylander’s growth as a playmaker. He mentioned that Nylander’s passing ability is often underrated, but this season, Nylander has elevated his game by creating more scoring opportunities for teammates.
Notable Games
One of Nylander’s standout performances came during a comeback victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored twice in the third period, helping the Maple Leafs secure a 4-3 win. His timely scoring has been a vital factor in the team’s recent success.
Career Comparison
Here’s a look at Nylander’s early-season statistics over his NHL career:
| Season | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 4 | 7 | 11 |
| 2017-18 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 2018-19 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2019-20 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| 2020-21 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| 2021-22 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 2022-23 | 4 | 7 | 11 |
| 2023-24 | 6 | 14 | 20 |
Team Dynamics and Upcoming Matches
Despite missing a few games early in the season, Nylander’s contributions have been crucial. The Maple Leafs have won three straight games after a rough start in October, now looking forward to facing the Boston Bruins. Currently, the Bruins hold a slight lead in the Atlantic Division standings.
As the team prepares for this crucial match, Nylander’s focus on self-improvement remains evident. He stated his intention to enhance his performance each year, celebrating the results of his efforts this season.
