Unflappable Nylander embraces third-line role

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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The Maple Leafs practised at Ford Performance Centre on Friday before travelling to Ottawa. 

William Nylander cracks a smile when asked about his even-strength production.

"I was joking with some of the guys. I say, 'If you guys want a minus come play with me.'"

Even after a plus-two effort on Thursday, Nylander is minus-13 this season, which is the worst mark on the team. Luckily for the Leafs, Nylander's confidence isn't easily shaken. The latest example of that came against the Washington Capitals. Early in Thursday's game, the 25-year-old Swede had an open net to shoot at, but was thwarted by the paddle of Capitals keeper Ilya Samsonov. 

It turns out Samsonov made an incredible stick save on Nylander #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/5p7o1ze7ju

"He misses a pretty good look and it's amazing how he comes back after that and plays a tremendous game and buries two opportunities," observed centre John Tavares. "The first one was a heck of a shot."

"I just tried to rip it," Nylander told TSN in an intermission interview. "I was rattled after that first save he made on me."

WOAH, WILLY!! pic.twitter.com/RHEHh9YBYA

When Nylander gets rattled it usually leads to him elevating his play. Since being moved to the third line on March 26 during a game in Montreal, Nylander has done his part to make the new formation work. 

"We got guys that can score all throughout the lineup so it doesn't really matter where I play," Nylander insisted. "It's so easy to jump into any line so it doesn't really affect the way I think the game."

"It's a skill," said Tavares. "That's something that's a real bonus for Willy is his ability to always be confident and not take things too seriously, but at the same time