During the Toronto Maple Leafs’ recent games, the second line has emerged as a force. They’ve begun to showcase a combination of offensive power and defensive responsibility that has significantly aided the team’s success. The Maple Leafs’ line is becoming more dynamic, which I believe began with the uptick of Tyler Bertuzzi’s game.
Any fan who’s watched the team this season knows that John Tavares has been his usual almost point-a-game self. As far as William Nylander, he’s been nothing short of amazing. As a result, the second line of Tavares, Nylander, and Bertuzzi has started to produce more in recent games. That’s nothing but a good sign for the team as it moves forward.
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William Nylander: Offensive Brilliance and Defensive Tenacity
William Nylander has been exceptional all season long. He’s been producing at an elite clip and is now in the NHL’s top five for point production. He gives his team an offensive boost every game. Specifically, Nylander’s play over the last two games has been a key to the team’s success. He contributed two goals and added an assist—accounting for more than half of the team’s offense. What’s more, Nylander’s defensive game has seen a marked improvement. He’s been strong on the forecheck and has been responsible in his team’s defensive end.
A notable change this season is Nylander’s added role on the penalty kill. He’s logged nearly three minutes in the last two games alone. This defensive responsibility shows how much he’s grown over the season (and really over his career). Already this season, he’s surpassed last season’s penalty kill minutes in just 36 games.
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Nylander’s offensive achievements are equally strong. He was the first Maple Leafs player to reach the 50-point mark this season. And, as noted, he finds himself among the leaders in NHL scoring. Right now, his elite company includes Boston Bruins David Pastrnak and Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid.
Tyler Bertuzzi: Finding His Stride
Recently, I critized Tyler Bertuzzi for a slow start. However, he’s seemed to have found his stride and become a stronger contributor on the second line. In a his best performance of the season against the Los Angeles Kings, Bertuzzi showed his playmaking skills and offensive power. He was clearly the Maple Leafs’ best forward in that game.
In Bertuzzi’s resurgence, he’s put up seven points in his last nine games. For someone who’s been slow off the mark, this showing represents a significant uptick in production. He’s been relentless diging out pucks along the boards and has made a few really key plays. For example his no-look pass to Nylander resulted in a goal. In short, he’s getting better and (as a result) the line is getting stronger.
John Tavares: A Reliable Force
John Tavares has been a key to the Maple Leafs’ second line. His offensive persistence and scoring has been the difference that helps his linemates in ways fans don’t always see. His power-play goal against the Ducks was a key to the win. It pushed a hard-fought game to overtime and ended the Ducks goalie’s shutout streak.
Tavares has contributed three goals and one assist in his last six games. And, while that’s not up to a point-a-game pace, the scores came when it mattered. He’s been a key leader of this second line.
The Bottom Line: A Well-Balanced Second Line
Together, Nylander, Bertuzzi, and Tavares form a second line that seems to be a perfect blend of offensive power and defensive responsibility. Nylander just keeps putting up point streaks on the season. Bertuzzi seems to be finding an offensive rhythm. And, Tavares (no pun intended) is the center of everything.
The Maple Leafs dynamic trio is a solid balance for the first line of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and the quickly-improving Matthew Knies. The line’s standout play of the second line, if it continues, could become a game-changer for the team as they work through this regular season’s challenges.
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