Updated on 07.40 | Published on 07.39
toronto. It’s hotter than lava, William Nylander.
Toronto’s Swedish star scored two new goals, and even played in one, last night — ahead of old teammate Henrik Lundqvist, among others.
– Yes, it was special to see both Hinky and “Fuba” celebrating before the game, he told Sportbladet after the 5-4 win in the Hall of Fame match against Calgary while at the same time declaring that he is really excited for the upcoming game. A visit to Sweden.
Collectively, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ opening month of the regular season can’t be described as a complete success, but individually, William Nylander was a resounding exclamation point — and continued in the same deafening fashion as before against Calgary at Scotiabank Arena last night.
The 27-year-old scored two goals, one of which was a numerical disadvantage, and was responsible for an absolutely brilliant performance of a goal signed by Radar partner John Tavares.
“An important match for us”
It’s as if one suspects more inspiration could have been drawn from seeing new Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist — also an old playmate from when William himself was just a toddler during Father Michael’s stay in New York — being celebrated on the ice before the event. First drop.
– Well, first of all, it was an important match for us, but it’s always fun when we have Swedes here and it was special to see both Hinky and Voba during this concert, he says when we meet him in the dressing room afterward.
Tonight’s points tally means that Willie’s now, with a total of 21 points, tied for fourth in the points league – and that his club’s record run of points at the start of the season has been extended to fourteen games.
But for his part, he does not seem to attach much importance to this.
“I don’t think it matters much.”
– Well, it’s just to keep playing the same way, he says with a shrug.
The same reaction raises questions about concern about the Leafs losing the lead again – this time by a score of 4-1 – and not being able to secure a win until after a shootout.
– I don’t think it matters much, winning is what matters on nights like this. We will get better in situations like this, it’s still very early in the season, continues Subway Willie.
Who suddenly started calling him that because he was photographed on the Toronto subway on his way to a match – which the local media considered very sensational.
– I took the subway today too, and I’ve done so for several years, and I don’t know why it suddenly became such an important thing, smiles the Stockholm native.
He also responded, quite unexpectedly, to former NHL standout Sean Avery’s outspoken suggestion that he should date Taylor Swift.
– I haven’t heard that, but maybe it would be difficult to date her, that’s what I can say about her.
“It will be incredibly fun.”
The next night, the Leafs will face another tough home game at Scotiabank, against Elias Pettersson’s team in Vancouver. The whole team then flies to Stockholm to participate in the upcoming matches at the Globe. Nelette is excited to visit her home.
-It would be so much fun to be able to play in front of the family and be at home in Sweden at this time of year. He says it hasn’t been that way for a long time.
One might assume that you become a mentor to your teammates. Do you have anything planned?
– Yes, we have some things. But the schedule is busy for me and the rest of the team, so we’ll see what we can do. There are important matches we have to play as well.
Calle Jarnkrok also scored on the game-winner tonight and Rasmus Andersson and Mikael Backlund both had assists for Calgary.