The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drops at 7:30 PM EST, and all eyes will be on the Leafs as they enter the game with a not-so-impressive 6-5-1 record.
Toronto is expected to have a hard time against Pittsburgh, one of the best teams this season with an 8-3-2 record.
This game will be a good test for the Maple Leafs, who are looking for more balance early in November. Facing a consistent team like the Penguins, led by captain Sidney Crosby, will show how close Toronto is to finding that rhythm. As they look to build some momentum, they have also been handed a major injury boost with an update on William Nylander’s fitness.
Will William Nylander’s Return Help the Leafs Find Consistency?
Nylander is expected to return to the Maple Leafs lineup for Monday’s matchup against the Penguins after missing three of the last four games.
The winger was dealing with a lower-body injury he suffered against the Buffalo Sabres in late October.
TSN insider Pierre LeBrun confirmed on X that Nylander told reporters he’s ready to go, writing, “William Nylander says he’s good to go tonight.”
He will play on the second line and take his usual spot on the top power-play unit.
During the pre-game media conference ahead of Toronto’s matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, Nylander admitted that being out of action was tough for him.
“Yeah. It sucks. I mean, there’s nothing really I can do about it. It’s just going to need to take some time,” he said.
Before his injury, Nylander was on a roll, recording three goals and 12 assists for 15 points in nine games. He has been one of Toronto’s most consistent forwards, averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game with a +5 rating.
His return should help the Leafs’ offense and possibly give their struggling power play a boost. Nylander’s skating and passing have been important to Toronto’s attack, and his presence in the lineup will be a welcome addition as the team faces a confident Pittsburgh group led by Crosby.
The Penguins, meanwhile, have been consistent on both ends of the ice. Evgeni Malkin leads their offense with 18 points in 13 games, and Bryan Rust has added solid support. Goaltender Tristan Jarry has been reliable, posting a 5-1-0 record with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.
For Toronto, John Tavares has led the way with 16 points, while Nylander has provided 12 assists and strong playmaking. The Leafs are averaging 3.58 goals per game but still struggle defensively, allowing 3.67 goals per game.
With Nylander back, the Maple Leafs will hope to put together a stronger all-around game and find the consistency they’ve been missing in the early part of the season.
