The news on William Nylander remains the same heading into Game One and while this could just be gamesmanship on the part of Sheldon Keefe and the Leafs, the Maple Leafs star forward is still a question mark.
William Nylander’s availability tonight remains uncertain. It’s believed he felt something on the off day after the last game. Likely a “tweak” but not something he was playing with. Remains questionable for game 1.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 20, 2024
So “felt something” and “tweak” don’t sound serious when it comes to playoff hockey. The issue doesn’t seem like something that would keep William Nylander out of the lineup but without confirmation all that can be done is assume that William Nylander will be in. That also leaves some speculation on where Nylander will be in the Leafs lineup if he is in. Does he go on the overloaded line with Tavares and Marner, or does he spread out the offence by playing alongside Pontus Holmberg on the third unit. Based on recent games placing Nylander alongside Holmberg is the most likely outcome with the Tavares option occuring as the bench shortens.
Nylander had 2 assists in the 4 games against the Bruins this season, while averaging just under 20 minutes a night. Far from his best numbers around the league, but that doesn’t change the fact the Leafs would miss him if he’s not in the lineup. The Leafs might also be interested in seeing Nylander alongside Holmberg more because of this as the previous games against the Bruins saw Nylander on the Tavares line.
In addition to the update on Nylander, Darren Dreger provided an update on Bobby McMann on Friday night during the TSN Playoff Preview show. Dreger reported that Bobby McMann is questionable for the entire first round and if that’s the case it seems very unlikely that McMann will play Game One. That move likely keeps Knies in the top nine. McMann has faced the Bruins just twice this season and hasn’t been on the scoresheet.
If William Nylander is out tonight it is likely that Nick Robertson will be in for the Leafs and make his first appearance in the post season since the COVID play-in series against Columbus. Robertson has faced the Bruins only once this season but picked up an assist in that game.
The pregame warmups will likely answer a lot of questions regarding the Leafs lineup and the Bruins starting goaltender. Puck drop is scheduled for 8pm ET tonight in Boston.
