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Leafs' Nylander sets franchise record with 10-game point streak

Maple Leafs rookie William Nylander celebrates his goal against the New Jersey Devils (Frank Gunn/CP)
Maple Leafs rookie William Nylander celebrates his goal against the New Jersey Devils (Frank Gunn/CP)

With the best class of rookies the Maple Leafs have ever had, headlined by Calder Trophy candidates Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, William Nylander’s stellar season has largely gone under-appreciated.

For those late to the party, that will change after his performance in Thursday’s 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils.

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Nylander put his own stamp on the 2016-17 season on Thursday, collecting an assist on Josh Leivo’s first period power-play marker to set a Maple Leafs rookie record with at least a point in 10 consecutive games.

Only three other players in the 100-year history of the franchise have put together a streak like this. With a two-point night against Columbus on Wednesday, the 20-year-old tied the nine-game mark set by Gus Bodnar in 1943-44, and matched by Bob Nevin in 1960-61 and Dan Daoust in 1982-83.

On top of his record-tying helper, Nylander also added a power-play goal later in the period as the Maple Leafs headed to the dressing room with a 2-1 lead over New Jersey. Nylander, who has posted 12 points during his 10-game streak, hasn’t been held off the scoresheet since March 2 in Los Angeles.

Since the all-star break, no rookie has been hotter than Nylander. He leads all first-year players in points since the break with 25, four ahead of teammate Matthews and five more than Calder candidate Patrik Laine. Maybe it’s time to throw the young Swede’s name in the conversation, too.

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Nylander wasn’t the only Leafs rookie to etch his name into the record books on Thursday. With his helper on James van Riemsdyk’s goal in the second period, Mitch Marner tied a franchise rookie record with his 40th assist of the season.

He currently shares the honour with Bodnar, who set the mark in 1943-44, but with nine games to go there’s no doubt Marner will lay claim to the feat by season’s end.

Auston Matthews remains one goal back of Wendel Clark’s rookie record of 34, but picked up two assists in the game to reach 60 points and move into a tie with Patrik Laine atop the rookie scoring race.