New York. He and his Maple Leafs teammates played the game in Minnesota with patches paying homage to “The King” Börje Salming on their jerseys.
Then William Nylander took the opportunity to touch his late friend’s goal-scoring record for Toronto.
– That goal was definitely Poiret’s, says “Lil Nelette” after a 4-3 victory.
On Friday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs played their first game since the announcement of the death of ALS club icon Börje Salming, against the Minnesota Wild — and it was clearly not just a series lunch duel.
The HouseGuests had a blue-yellow shoulder patch, designed in honor of “King” Porgy Salming, sewn onto their jerseys — and before the first drop, the fallen hero was honored with a video tribute and a moment of silence.
Then William Nylander – one of seven Swedes in this year’s Leafs edition – celebrated his friend and role model in his own way.
Tangled Salming Record
At 13:23 of the third period, he scored what would become the decisive score of the game. It wasn’t just the 26-year-old striker’s 11th goal this year. It was the 148th of his NHL career. This means that this evening he touched Salming’s overall goal-scoring record in the blue and white jersey – and they are now joint second in the club’s Swedish Shooting League, behind Mats Sundin.
– This goal was definitely for Bori, – says Nylander when he meets the media after the final whistle.
Kali Jarnkreuk also contributed to the 4-3 win with a goal – while Pierre Engvall and Timothy Lillegren played even each.
Joel Erickson Ek of Minnesota was also noted for getting an assist.