By the way, Bertuzzi buzzed his former team with the game-tying goal to play a key role in the comeback, and John Tavares kept up his torrid early-season pace by scoring the game-winning goal not long after.
The win was the Maple Leafs’ third straight. They fought through some bad luck in the first two periods of the game to hang in there until the luck changed. But, make no mistake. Nylander was the difference. Although he wasn’t born in Sweden (instead was born in Calgary, Alberta, when his dad played for the Flames), his standout performance in front of his home crowd carried his blue and white team to the win.
Item One: Item Two: Nylander Carried the Day
Nylander’s exceptional game spelled the difference between the Maple Leafs winning and losing to the Red Wings. In the game, he contributed a power-play goal and two even-strength assists. He now has 11 goals and 14 assists (for 25 points) to lead the Maple Leafs in scoring. After the game, Maple Leafs captain Tavares praised Nylander’s dominant play, noting that he was among the best players in the game.
As noted above, Nylander’s strong game extended his franchise-record season-opening point streak to 16 games. There remains a significant gap between Wayne Gretzky’s unbeatable NHL record of 51 straight games. However, Nylander just needs one more game to set the record for players in the 21st-century record. That record is currently held by both Henrik Zetterberg and Connor McDavid, who scored in 17 games each.
The 27-year-old forward’s consistent offensive production has been the key to the Maple Leafs’ success this season. His steak is something I watch for every game. I personally am caught up in his early-season success. I have to believe other Maple Leafs fans are as well.
Item Two: Ilya Samsonov Had Another Solid Game
Goalie Ilya Samsonov had a solid game in a 3-2 win, stopping 27 shots. The first Red Wings goal came on a Daniel Spring penalty shot. Then Lucas Raymond scored on a wrist shot off the post in the second period. All around those two goals, Samsonov was on his game
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