Sheldon Keefe calls out William Nylander

While things are going smoothly for the Toronto Maple Leafs right now following their recent shootout victory over the rival Ottawa Senators, one particular member of the team who hasn't been performing up to expectations is forward William Nylander. 

Despite having racked up 79 points in 69 games played this season, Nylander is stuck in a slump, having failed to register a point in his last three contests for only the second time in 2022-23. And head coach Sheldon Keefe isn't shy about voicing his expectations. 

"He and I have talked about this," Keefe said. "I find when the puck is hitting his stick, his feet are not moving to the same degree. He is not attacking. There is a lot more perimeter. There is a lot more getting rid of the puck."

"I want him to hang onto it. I want him to challenge. I want him to be on the attack. I want to see lots of pace from him. That is when he is at his best."

Keefe knows that Nylander has the consistency within him - he just needs to start showing it, especially with a critical postseason on the horizon.

"That is really it — just get back to doing that. It has been too long since we have seen that consistently from him, but as we have seen through most of the season, it is certainly there," Keefe said.

Nylander and the rest of the Maple Leafs are back in action tonight at UBS Arena as they take on the New York Islanders, who continue to fight for their postseason lives.