WASHINGTON, D.C. — If the Toronto Maple Leafs are to continue their winning ways on this road trip, they’ll have to do it without their leading scorer and overtime hero.
William Nylander will miss Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals due to illness, head coach Craig Berube announced a couple hours before puck drop.
Nylander, who tops all Leafs with 31 points in 20 games, also missed Friday’s practice but was seen in good spirits around his teammates at Capital One Arena.
Berube said Friday’s absence from practice was due to “maintenance,” not illness, and that he expected Nylander to play.
“It happened, I guess, last night. I was sleeping. But he woke up, and (was sick) all day today. So, he’s not available to play,” Berube said.
“Willy, he wants to play. There’s no doubt about it. So, if it can get through him here quick enough and see how he is tomorrow. Hopefully, he’ll be available tomorrow.”
The Maple Leafs will fly to Pittsburgh post-game to play the Penguins on Saturday.
Nylander’s absence will force Berube to abandon his planned five-forward power-play and place Morgan Rielly up top on a more traditional top unit.
Dakota Joshua, who was healthy scratched for Wednesday’s 2-1 win in Columbus, returns to the Leafs’ lineup.
So does Matias Maccelli, also scratched Wednesday.
Maccelli comes in for the struggling Max Domi, who gets healthy-scratched for the first time as a Maple Leaf.
Domi has been guilty of costly giveaways and sits a team-worst minus-13.
“I don’t know if it’s the defensive side of things. I think positionally he’s been solid,” Berube said. “I know his plus/minus doesn’t say that, but I wouldn’t say positionally that causes a lot of (goals against) for me.
“It’s just getting engaged more in the game. Like, he’s got to get dirty down low in the offensive zone, win battles, and get more engaged that way. And get to the inside of the ice more. That’s what I see. And when he’s skating and moving, he’s an effective player.
“But it’s too inconsistent.”
Domi has three goals and three assists through 23 games. He’s on Toronto’s books at a $3.75 million cap hit through 2027-28.
Joseph Woll will make a sixth consecutive start in goal for the Maple Leafs.
