The Caps looked poised to beat the Maple Leafs after losing all three meetings last season before a late third-period comeback by Toronto led to an overtime defeat.

After the Maple Leafs had a goal by Steven Lorentz disallowed midway through the third period, Nylander made it 3-2 at 15:51. Matthew Knies intercepted Tom Wilson’s pass at the blue line and drove to the net before Nylander tapped in the rebound.

A year ago, it was assumed that the pressure of playing in a contract year easily would roll off William Nylander’s shoulders. That’s how it played out during the first several months of the 2023-24 regular season for the Maple Leafs winger,