‘I Don’t Know Who Gets More Breakaways In The NHL Than This Guy’: Maple Leafs React To William Nylander’s Overtime Heroics Against Devils

The Toronto Maple Leafs spoiled former head coach Sheldon Keefe’s return by snapping a three-game losing skid, defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime on Thursday night. The win marked the Leafs’ third against their former bench boss this season while improving to 28-16-2.

Related: 'Welcome Back To Toronto': Maple Leafs Honor Former Head Coach Sheldon Keefe With Video Tribute Against Devils

Yet, that wasn’t what had everyone talking.

Instead, William Nylander, who had just one goal in his last 11 games, buried two against the Devils, stealing the show in overtime with yet another breakaway tally to seal the deal on a Maple Leafs victory.

The 28-year-old capitalized on a poor defensive change by the Devils, slipping behind all the skaters on the ice before putting a quick wrist shot past goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

“We tried to be an option for Caber, got it back, and was looking up ice, saw Willy come on, and saw their guy change, had a little seam to make it, and Willy made a great pickup and great goal,” said Mitch Marner, who made the outlet pass to Nylander.

“Yeah, I mean, I just saw an opening, and I mean, I just put it right there and be able to walk in,” said Nylander on the goal.

“I think he reads the game very well. He's got a real high hockey IQ with reading where he can get open and take advantage of people. That's great play by Mitch too, to read the change and get it up to Willy,” said head coach Craig Berube post-game.

The Swede can create breakaway opportunities with ease, making it look almost effortless at the NHL level throughout his 10-year career. Berube has marveled at Nylander’s ability to find open ice in the past, but perhaps none more so than on January 9, when Nylander astoundingly generated three breakaway chances within the first eight minutes of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

After Thursday’s performance, capitalizing again on a breakaway chance, captain Auston Matthews praised Nylander’s knack for creating opportunities in alone on the opposing goalie.

“I don't know who gets more breakaways in the NHL than this guy,” said Matthews on Nylander’s game-winner. “So, yeah, I had a pretty good feeling about it.”

With the three-point performance – two goals and an assist – Nylander brought his season total to 26 goals, tying him for third in the NHL trailing only Leon Draisaitl and Sam Reinhart. His efforts also solidified his place in Maple Leafs history, becoming just the 11th player in franchise history to record five career 25-goal seasons.

When asked about his instincts to find consistent breakaway opportunities, Nylander’s explanation kept it simple.

“I don't (know), get a lot of good passes,” he said.

Conversely, goaltender Joseph Woll explained how facing the former eighth overall pick is far from anything simplistic one-on-one.

“I think with him, it's tough because he doesn't give you much to read off of, and it feels like if you move at all, he's going to pick that spot. So it's tough. It makes you feel like you have a lot of holes because it feels like there's always something available, and he finds it. He's very good at reading the goalie,” said Woll.

“I think there's a good amount of confidence when you see him going in alone, facing him every day. I know he's obviously a special player, and he seems like he always steps up in those moments,” he added.

No doubt, the Maple Leafs fought tooth and nail to secure a much-needed victory against the Devils. Despite trading goals through regulation, the club relied on Nylander to deliver the knockout punch.

“Willy had a heck of a game,” said Berube.

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