It goes without saying that the upcoming opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is perhaps the most critical in the recent history of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have been unable to break through to the second round in 19 years. While they've enjoyed plenty of regular season success of late, it means nothing until they actually prove they can get it done in the playoffs.
The Leafs will be facing a familiar opponent in the Tampa Bay Lightning, whom they held a 3-2 series advantage over last year only to have the then-back to back champions storm back with two straight victories to break the hearts of Leafs fans everywhere and send them home for yet another early summer.
General manager Kyle Dubas has made several moves since then, including overhauling his goaltending by bidding goodbye to Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek in favor of Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray. Additionally, he's brought aboard valuable depth in the form of 2019 Conn Smyth Trophy winner Ryan O'Reilly in a Trade Deadline deal with the St. Louis Blues, while also welcoming back into the fold former Leafs 1st round draft pick Luke Schenn.
Needless to say, there will be major changes in Leafs Land if they come up short yet again. And according to forward William Nylander, he's not going to be happy until they do so.
With 39 goals and 47 assists, Nylander's 86 points are a new career high.
“I think I’m playing to more where I can be as a player," he said of his performance in 2022-23.
“To my level,” he continued. “I think it’s been more consistency (this season). When I have a s****y game, maybe that lasts one game, two games. Before it’s maybe been five games, you know what I mean?”
But it all means nothing if they don't get it done in the postseason, which Nylander is well aware of.
“I’ll be proud when we f***ing win," he said when asked if he was proud of his accomplishments.
