Deadspin: William Nylander, Maple Leafs Keep Canucks Reeling in 4-2 Win

Nylander strikes first

Nylander opened the scoring 1:23 into the game after taking advantage of a bobbled puck by Jamie Oleksiak. He carried it in on a breakaway and lifted a backhand shot over goaltender Leevi Merilainen.

Vancouver tied the score on a power play at 10:30. Filip Hronek sent a long pass to Brock Boeser, who beat Anthony Stolarz after a forehand-backhand-forehand move.

Toronto builds its lead

Auston Matthews put Toronto ahead 3:47 into the second period, finishing a give-and-go with Darren Raddysh from the bottom of the faceoff circle. Former Canuck Zack MacEwen made it 3-1 at 12:34. His point shot popped out of Merilainen’s glove, struck Luke Schenn’s shoulder and went into the net.

Canucks threaten late

Max Sasson brought Vancouver within one at 9:27 of the third period. Stolarz stopped Brendan Gallagher’s shot from the high slot, but the rebound landed near Sasson, who scored from close range.

Toronto held on, and Blueger scored into the empty net at 18:24. Stolarz stopped 26 shots and recorded his third assist of the season; Merilainen made 24 saves.

Toronto welcomes players back

Chris Tanev played his first game since Oct. 10, when he sustained an upper-body injury. Dakota Joshua also made his season debut for Toronto. The Canucks’ recent slide continued with the loss. They are 1-11-1 over their last 13 games and have not beaten an Eastern Conference opponent.