The Maple Leafs held a practice at Ford Performance Centre on Friday before travelling to St. Louis ahead of Saturday\u2019s game against the Blues. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Early in Friday\u2019s practice, Leafs coach Craig Berube barked at his players to shoot more. William Nylander wanted to make it clear he received the message. <\/p>\n
During his next rep in the next drill, the star winger took a pass and shot a puck past Joseph Woll. Nylander then skated toward Berube with his glove to his ear. He got right up to Berube and started smiling. The coach kept his gaze on the players doing the next rep before turning toward the 29-year-old smiling Swede to share a few words. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just fun and games,\u201d Nylander said with a grin. \u201cHe was yelling at guys to shoot it so then I shot it and I asked if he saw that I shot it. Yeah, it was good.\u201d<\/p>\n
During a media session before last Friday\u2019s game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Berube revealed he had been prodding Nylander to shoot more. Nylander registered four shots that night, but has been limited to just one in two of the last three games. <\/p>\n
What did Nylander show Berube with his display at practice? <\/p>\n
\u201cThat he\u2019s not shooting enough,\u201d Berube said before breaking into a smile. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re having a little fun out there. It\u2019s good, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nylander is only averaging 2.28 shots per game this season, which is down from his career average of 2.86. <\/p>\n
Berube and Nylander, who leads the Leafs with 67 points this season, had a couple chats on the ice during Friday\u2019s workout. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe just speak normally about everything,\u201d Nylander said when asked about the most unique conversation between the pair. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing in particular that I would say is anything different.\u201d <\/p>\n
‘Fun and games’: Nylander makes it clear to Berube that he got the message on shooting more Early in Friday’s practice, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was instructing his players to shoot the puck and William Nylander responded by scoring a goal before cupping his year and skating towards his coach. It was all in good fun according to both parties. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
After the trade deadline, Nylander admitted that it\u2019s \u201creally hard to stay optimistic\u201d considering the Leafs situation. How is he dealing with it now? <\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been really tough,\u201d Nylander noted. \u201cBut now it\u2019s been a little while where you\u2019ve been able to digest it a little bit more and think about it so, I mean, it\u2019s still an awful feeling.\u201d <\/p>\n
Nylander continues to produce, though, with four goals and nine points in 10 games since seeing teammates Scott Laughton, Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy traded for draft picks. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s really passionate, honestly,\u201d said rookie winger Easton Cowan. \u201cHe\u2019s always in the gym working hard. He\u2019s biking hard after the game. Stuff like that, no one sees. He\u2019s a really hard worker, and he is a leader on this team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since captain Auston Matthews went down with a season-ending injury on March 12, Nylander has been wearing an \u2018A\u2019 for the team. <\/p>\n
Nylander is playing his 10th full season in Toronto and this is the first time the Leafs will miss the playoffs. They sit 12 points out with nine games remaining. <\/p>\n
\u201cObviously it\u2019s not a great situation for anybody, and he\u2019s not used to this situation for sure,\u201d said Berube. \u201cBut, at the same time, he understands that we\u2019ve still got games to play. We have to do a good job with competing and playing the right way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lately the games have taken a backseat to questions about what went wrong for a team that finished first in the Atlantic Division last year and fancied itself a Stanley Cup contender. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have my thoughts about maybe some stuff,\u201d Nylander said. \u201cBut, I mean, that\u2019s something I\u2019m going to keep to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
‘Still an awful feeling’: Nylander keeping thoughts on Leafs collapse to himself\u00a0 The Maple Leafs’ collapse this season, which has seen them fall completely out of the playoff picture, has hit all players differently. William Nylander admitted it’s been tough, but wouldn’t elaborate on where things went wrong when reflecting on how it’s all played out. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Cowan appreciates Nylander\u2019s ability to maintain focus despite playing in the intense spotlight in Toronto.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe handles the highs and lows very well, so you try to use that to help yourself,\u201d Cowan said. \u201cJust teaches me a couple things, and that stuff goes a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cowan, who is the team\u2019s youngest player at 20-years-old, is proving to be a quick study. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s kind of like a sponge,\u201d goalie Anthony Stolarz observed. \u201cHe\u2019s willing to absorb criticism. He\u2019s willing to absorb praise, and he doesn\u2019t really let it affect him.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the exception of a two-game stint in the American Hockey League in November, Cowan has spent the entire year with the Leafs. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a guy that impresses me with his routine,\u201d Berube said. \u201cHe\u2019s one of the first guys at the rink every day. Off days, I see him at the rink. I mean, he\u2019s acting like a pro. He\u2019s got a good attitude every day. Same attitude the whole year. I haven\u2019t seen him come in and be down. Yeah, sure, he\u2019s disappointed in maybe the way he\u2019s played or the team or whatever, but he\u2019s always got a real good attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Leafs current situation has created more opportunity for Cowan, who has recently been promoted to the top line and top power-play unit. He logged more than 19 minutes in Wednesday\u2019s win over the New York Rangers. <\/p>\n
Cowan is averaging 16 minutes and seven seconds of ice time per game since the trade deadline, which is fifth among Leafs forwards. <\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely feel like I\u2019m just getting better,\u201d Cowan said. \u201cMy mindset the whole year is just keep getting better each day. That\u2019s what you\u2019ve got to do to have a long career, so just trying to get better each and every day. I felt like I had a good practice today, so I\u2019m just going to use that to help me tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like many young forwards who racked up points in junior hockey, Cowan is focused on improving in his own end. <\/p>\n
What\u2019s a priority right now?<\/p>\n
\u201cJust getting in the [shooting] lanes,\u201d he said. \u201cEven if the puck doesn\u2019t hit you, if it misses the net, that\u2019s a blocked shot. So just getting in the lanes and trying to have good defence, that will lead to the offence.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Cowan quickly caught the eye of Blue Jays players Ernie Clement and George Springer, who were mic\u2019d up while attending Wednesday\u2019s game. <\/p>\n
\u201cEaston Cowan, that\u2019s my guy,\u201d Clement said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s like 12,\u201d Springer said. \u201c[He\u2019s] not afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a grinder,\u201d Clement added.<\/p>\n
Cowan, who stands 6-foot, 190 pounds, impressed teammates by immediately confronting Nikita Zadorov on Tuesday night in Boston after the 6-foot-7, 255-pound Bruins blueliner knocked down John Tavares with an illegal hit. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes a lot of balls to do that,\u201d Stolarz said. \u201cHe\u2019s obviously one of the heavier guys in the league and for \u2018Cowboy\u2019 just to kind of go in there without a second thought and be able to do that, I think that just goes to show you what kind of person he is, what kind of teammate he is, and everyone around the room is gonna appreciate that. And when something happens to him, he knows that we\u2019re gonna have his back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cowan and Zadorov are both alumni of the London Knights and actually lived with the same billet family during their days in the Ontario Hockey League. What did his billet parents have to say about what happened? <\/p>\n
\u201cThey just kind of laughed about it,\u201d Cowan said. \u201cIt was kind of funny.\u201d<\/p>\n
Knights general manager Mark Hunter also reached out via text. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe just said, \u2018Good job,\u2019\u201d Cowan revealed. \u201cSo that was kind of nice to hear that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Berube believes playing for coach Dale Hunter and his brother Mark in London has helped Cowan be ready for these types of moments. <\/p>\n
\u201cLondon obviously gets you ready for pros,\u201d Cowan agreed. \u201cSo just that culture there, everyone plays for each other, so it definitely helps me out a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cowan and other Leafs took heat following the game on March 12 because no one immediately confronted Radko Gudas after the Anaheim Ducks defenceman hurt Matthews with a knee-on-knee hit. Cowan vowed to learn from what happened and be better next time. <\/p>\n
‘Takes a lot of balls’: Cowan confronting Zadorov is latest sign of Leafs rookie coming of age Easton Cowan got some feedback from his London Knights family following his response to Nikita Zadorov’s hit on John Tavares in Tuesday’s win over the Bruins. His swift decision to step up did not go unnoticed by his Leafs teammates. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Stolarz started slow this season with an .884 save percentage in his first 13 games in October and November. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was trying to be too perfect,\u201d he said. \u201cJust trying to go out there and make every save when that\u2019s an unrealistic expectation, and just overthinking some things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stolarz signed a four-year contract extension, which starts next season, during training camp. Did that create additional pressure? <\/p>\n
\u201cNot really,\u201d the 32-year-old insisted. \u201cI mean, it doesn\u2019t matter how much you make … I think when you start thinking like that, you start getting your own head a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stolarz sustained a nerve-related injury on Nov. 12 and did not return until Jan. 23. The time away allowed him to start fresh in a way. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I came back, I was just able to just go out there and play, and play loose, play free.\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Stolarz allowed nine goals in losing his first two starts after returning from the injury. Then, in his third game back, he stopped 34 of 36 shots to win in Edmonton right before the Olympic break. <\/p>\n
Stolarz has posted a .919 save percentage in seven games since the season resumed. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat long practice period that we had, just was able to kind of reset, focus on some things with [goalie coach] Curtis [Sanford] and obviously my body was feeling a lot better,\u201d he said. \u201cThat Edmonton game right before was kind of the first time I ever felt like myself again. You start playing like that and, as a goalie, it\u2019s all confidence, and you kind of just continue to roll with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
‘I was trying to be too perfect’: Stolarz finally feeling like his old self in Leafs net Since the return from the Olympic break, Anthony Stolarz has felt much better in net and he credited the extra practice time as the perfect opportunity to reset. The Maple Leafs’ netminder spoke about what he has learned from himself from the start of the season. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
The Leafs sent Bo Groulx down to the AHL on Friday for roster-management purposes. If the 26-year-old centre had played one more game with the Leafs he would have required waivers to go back down to the Marlies. Toronto wants him to be available for the Calder Cup playoffs, but also doesn\u2019t want to risk losing him on waivers. <\/p>\n
Did Berube have a message for Groulx before he left? <\/p>\n
\u201cNone needed,\u201d the coach said. \u201cHe wanted to go down and help them and play. You know, that\u2019s testament to his character and what he believes in and how it all works and he understands it. So, yeah, he\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Groulx made his mark after being called up by the Leafs producing five points in nine games. <\/p>\n
\u201cI used him in a lot of different situations and I thought he handled himself well,\u201d Berube said. <\/p>\n
Groulx, who leads the Marlies with 50 points in 54 games this season, could still rejoin the Leafs at some point this season, but it would have to be on an emergency recall in order to keep him waivers-exempt. <\/p>\n
Leafs Ice Chips: After impressive audition, Groulx sent to AHL for roster management reasons Bo Groulx collected three goals and five points in nine games played for the Leafs since being called up but he will be going back down to the AHL, which head coach Craig Berube said came at his forward’s request. TSN’s Mark Masters has more on how roster management also played a role. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
With two points in Boston, Nylander matched his father, Michael Nylander, with 679 career NHL points. <\/p>\n
\u201cI had no clue,\u201d he said with a grin. \u201cMy sister [Jacqueline] told me, actually, at the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nylander\u2019s sister was his guest on the team\u2019s Mentors Trip.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got a puck from Boston so I gave it to him, the tying one,\u201d Nylander said with a smile. \u201cHopefully we get a new one and I can give him the leading one.\u201d <\/p>\n
Nylander reached the total in 140 fewer games than his old man, who played 15 seasons in the NHL. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Lines at Friday\u2019s practice: <\/p>\n
Cowan – Tavares – Nylander<\/p>\n
Knies – Domi – Robertson<\/p>\n
Maccelli – Lorentz – Joshua<\/p>\n
Pezzetta – Quillan – Jarnkrok<\/p>\n
Rielly – Carlo<\/p>\n
McCabe – Ekman-Larsson<\/p>\n
Benoit – Stecher<\/p>\n
Myers<\/p>\n
Stolarz<\/p>\n
Woll<\/p>\n
Power play units at Friday\u2019s practice: <\/p>\n
QB: Ekman-Larsson <\/p>\n
Flanks: Cowan, Nylander<\/p>\n
Middle: Tavares<\/p>\n
Net front: Knies<\/p>\n
https:\/\/x.com\/markhmasters\/status\/2037555938379329703 <\/p>\n
QB: Rielly<\/p>\n
Flanks: Domi, Maccelli<\/p>\n
Middle: Robertson<\/p>\n
Net front: Joshua <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Maple Leafs held a practice at Ford Performance Centre on Friday before travelling to St. Louis ahead…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":526530,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[32469,4759,36871,5,4,32467,34972],"class_list":{"0":"post-526529","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nhl","8":"tag-anthony-stolarz-sports-hockey-player-player-nhl-api-8476932","9":"tag-apple-news","10":"tag-easton-cowan-sports-hockey-player-player-nhl-api-8484158","11":"tag-hockey","12":"tag-nhl","13":"tag-toronto-maple-leafs-sports-hockey-team-team-nhl-api-10","14":"tag-william-nylander-sports-hockey-player-player-nhl-api-8477939"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nhl\/116303509850445952","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=526529"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526529\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/526530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=526529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=526529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=526529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}