(Toronto) William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs appears on track to play Saturday in Game 4 against the Boston Bruins in the first round. Toronto faces a 2-1 series deficit.
He missed the first three games with an undisclosed injury.
There is nothing definitive about the Swede’s status, but all signs point to the striker’s return to the fray.
“I feel great,” Nylander said after practice Friday. It’s a crazy feeling for me to watch the games from home. I’ve never been so nervous in my life. »
The Leafs lost the first game 5-1 in Boston. They bounced back with a 3-2 win in the second game, before losing 4-2 in Toronto on Wednesday.
His return would help Toronto, which has scored just once in 11 power plays in the series.
“He’s a big piece for us,” said Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. Making sure he’s ready to embark on a series of this caliber, at this time of year, that’s going to be the next step. »
Nylander scored 40 goals for the second straight campaign; he also set a career high with 98 points this season.
“He’s a world-class player,” Maple Leafs captain John Tavares said. It continues to grow and make an impact. »
Auston Matthews had a day off from training on Friday.
He recorded two goals and an assist in Game 2, before being shut out on Wednesday.
“He gives us everything he has,” Keefe said of the 69-goal man. You want to make sure, as a coach and medical staff, that you provide him with every opportunity to be at his best. »
Leafs defenseman Ilya Lybushkin flew to California to be with his wife, who just gave birth to their daughter.
Keefe expects the Russian to be available on Saturday. The match will start at 8 p.m.