William Nylander dominated at Avicii Arena – and became a big hero for Toronto.
Maybe thanks to Mats Sundin…
The Swedish icon surprised his previous team before the match – to the great surprise of the stars.
– We had no idea, says Nylander afterwards.
It was a special game for Toronto’s Swedish stars, in more ways than one. During the match, Borje Salming was honored with a special sticker that was put on the match shirts, and before the start of the match, Börje’s son Anders was also out on the ice to release the puck during a ceremonial drop.
The big show
Before the match, however, the focus was on another Swedish Toronto icon, namely Mats Sundin. “Sudden” is one of Toronto’s greatest ever, and former team captain for the club. Before the game, he stepped into the locker room to read Toronto’s starting lineup, and he also gave a pep talk to the team to get them going. It all came as a big surprise to the players in the team.
– We had no idea about it. It was very special for him to come in and pull it, and to experience it. It was just sad that we had such a start to the match, Nylander told the media afterwards.
Yes, because Toronto really started the game anything but well. Detroit took the lead in the second period and soon after extended it to 2-0, via Swedish Lucas Raymond, who thus scored two goals in two games in Stockholm this week. But in the third period, Toronto – and especially William Nylander – woke up. The Swedish superstar had points in 15 straight preseason games, and he broke the all-time Toronto record several games ago. Nylander suited up for the 1-2 goal in the third period, and it was the start of a mighty turnaround.
The tribute to Mats
Nylander scored 2-2 from the crossbar shortly after the reduction, and before 60 minutes were played Nylander also managed to have another passing point. With his three points, Nylander became a big hero, and was named player of the match, in front of Mats Sundin and father Michael Nylander in the stands, among others. For Nylander, it was a day to remember.
– It might have been better if I had put one in the open as well… It was a good day, and for everyone in the team and especially for us Swedish players, says Nylander.
It was also special for Calle Järnkrok. Toronto started a Swedish forward chain in the form of Calle Järnkrok, William Nylander and William Lagesson. Järnkrok has previously said that Sundin was a big idol when he was growing up, and the importance of him stepping into the dressing room could not be underestimated.
– I had no idea. It was special, it’s a legend who steps inside the doors, and we all got very excited to just go out and play after such a speech, says Järnkrok.
READ MORE: Nice gesture for Börje Salming before the big game – here son Anders is praised by thousands
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