Granted, it is impossible to definitively measure this idea, but I suspect that Nylander's contract stalemate and Matthews injury has had a beneficial impact on the team rounding into form. Tavares and Marner shouldering the main offensive thrust, Marleau and Kadri accepting the challenges and succeeding, Kapanen continuing - if not improving - in his breakout year, Johnsson's efforts improving as his presence was called upon, Leivo's hustle given the chance, even Lindlholm and Gauthier have upped their efforts as they are called upon to replace the minutes that have been lost because of two stars being unavailable. Further, Rielly has, imo, cemented his presence as a force to be reckoned with, while assuming the leadership role with his words and actions that go with being the low-key leader that allows others to express their contributions in the locker room while admiring Morgan's supreme dedication to the team. In this regard, Andersen can't be overlooked either. In fact, other than Hyman and Brown, and I say this as a compliment to both because they are the consummate motor type players, it's hard for me to see anyone on the team who hasn't picked up their game since Matthews went down.
Essentially, while the team knew and responded well to the absence of Nylander and by losing Matthews to injury, the team was forced to jell and respond as a team to succeed. They have done so. The Leafs are a stronger 'team' due to the absences of two of their best players. They will be even scarier to face when and if they both return.
Essentially, while the team knew and responded well to the absence of Nylander and by losing Matthews to injury, the team was forced to jell and respond as a team to succeed. They have done so. The Leafs are a stronger 'team' due to the absences of two of their best players. They will be even scarier to face when and if they both return.