William Nylander's dangerous habit forces Leafs emergency call-up
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Head coach Craig Berube has a William Nylander problem on his hands, and it just cost the Toronto Maple Leafs another healthy goaltender.
Anthony Stolarz took a puck directly to the neck during Saturday's warmups.
The veteran netminder immediately left the ice and went straight to the local hospital for imaging.
Toronto management had no choice but to recall Dennis Hildeby from the Marlies on an emergency basis.
Accidents happen in a fast-paced sport.
But this is becoming a localized epidemic for Toronto's star winger.
A Dangerous Pattern for William Nylander
Nylander has a frustrating history of firing recklessly high during non-game situations.
Goalies are exceptionally vulnerable during loose warmup routines.
They are tracking multiple shooters and rarely expecting a heavy snapshot off the collarbone.
We saw this exact scenario play out years ago with Garret Sparks.
A careless high shot from Nylander in practice left Sparks concussed and sidelined.
Matt Murray suffered a remarkably similar fate during his tenure in Toronto.
Another high, unnecessary shot caught the veteran up high before the real action even started.
You want your elite scorers dialed in and feeling the puck before puck drop.
But you absolutely cannot have them headhunting their own teammates in the process.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 23|212 ANSWERS William Nylander's dangerous habit forces Leafs emergency call-up Should the Leafs internally discipline players for reckless warmup shots? | ||
| Yes | 137 | 64.6 % |
| No | 75 | 35.4 % |
| List of polls | ||