Nylander: Maple Leafs' skid will be 'good for our group'
William Nylander believes the Toronto Maple Leafs' extended skid will make them a better club in the long run.
"I think it builds, you know, character. So obviously it's tough right now, but in the end I think it'll be good for our group," Nylander said following Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, per TSN's Mark Masters.
The Maple Leafs have just one win in their past eight games, which they haven't done since 2015-16, the season before they drafted Auston Matthews first overall.
Saturday's loss dropped Toronto to 9-10-3, which places them 15th in the Eastern Conference and five points out of a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.
Head coach Craig Berube was left unimpressed with how his club folded in Montreal despite a decent start.
Montreal dominated the run of play following Lane Hutson's opening goal midway through the first period. The Canadiens out-shot the Maple Leafs 17-6 in the second period and built a 4-0 lead.
"Can't lose all the momentum because they scored a couple goals," Berube said, per Masters. "We're a veteran team and it's inexcusable. It's inexcusable and it's on me too. It's on all of us. With a veteran team that shouldn't happen."
Injuries have ravaged the Maple Leafs so far. Matthews, Matthew Knies, Chris Tanev, Nicolas Roy, and Anthony Stolarz are all currently on the shelf. Jake McCabe left Saturday's contest after taking a puck to the face, and Berube is unsure if the defenseman will miss time.
The Maple Leafs return to action Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.