William Nylander Stresses Importance of Maple Leafs' Comeback Win

The Toronto Maple Leafs desperately needed something to go right. After weeks of inconsistent play, mounting criticism, and a stretch where wins felt impossible to come by, they finally got one. Down late against a tough opponent, the Leafs clawed their way back and won it in overtime, giving a struggling team a badly needed shot of confidence.

William Nylander didn't hide how much the win mattered when speaking to reporters after the game. For a team that's been through as much turmoil as Toronto has lately, escaping with two points felt like more than just a regular-season victory.

A Win They Had to Have

Nylander made it clear that getting this one was about more than just the standings. The Leafs needed to prove to themselves that they could battle back when things went wrong, and they finally did it.

"Obviously after everything that's been going on, it's nice to get one. Battle back late and win in OT," Nylander said. He also gave credit where it was due, pointing to goaltender Joseph Woll for keeping Toronto in the game when things could have gotten out of hand. "Woll stood on his head. He was unreal."

It's the kind of performance the Leafs have been missing. When your goalie gives you a chance and your best players find a way to capitalize, that's how you start turning seasons around.

An Animated Exchange With Berube

One of the more interesting moments of the night came midway through the third period when Nylander and head coach Craig Berube were spotted having what looked like a heated conversation on the bench. When asked about it, Nylander downplayed any tension and framed it as two people making sure they're on the same page.

"It's just good to be on the same page regarding what's happening out there," Nylander explained. It's the kind of exchange that can look contentious from the outside but often reflects a competitive environment where players and coaches are pushing each other to be better.

Nov 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan (53) skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Easton Cowan Delivers Again

Nylander also had high praise for rookie Easton Cowan, who scored a massive goal and is quickly proving he belongs at this level. Watching Cowan celebrate after burying a tough-angle shot showed just how much these moments mean to a young player trying to establish himself.

"He's been doing really well. You just see the things that he can do out there. Incredible shot on that goal, tough angle on the offside. He shoots like that; it's crazy," Nylander said. "He's been doing incredible things, and it's been fun playing with him."

Setting Up the Road Trip

With a grueling five-game road trip ahead, getting this win before hitting the road was critical. Though the Maple Leafs just fell short in a loss to the Washington Capitals in their following contest, Nylander acknowledged that the kinds of victories they captured over the Columbus Blue Jackets in their prior game haven't been coming easily for Toronto and could set the tone moving forward.

"It's good to start the road trip off with a win. Those haven't been coming by so often, so it's nice to get that out of the way." The Leafs still have a long way to go, but at least now they have something to build on.

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