Keefe touches on Nylander's game winner in Minnesota and what a special moment it was
A day after the passing of Leaf legend Borje Salming, the Leafs honoured him with a shoulder patch on their jerseys. Somehow, whether it was fate or Salming's presence was felt, on each of the four goals the Leafs scored against Minnesota a Swede was a factor. Pierre Engvall and Timothy Liljegren assisted on one each while Calle Jarnkrok and William Nylander scored one each.
With Nylander being the closest to the Salming family, it was only fitting that he scored the game winning goal, which he dedicated to Salming after the game while holding back tears. The significance of the moment was not lost on Sheldon Keefe either.
"It's great. Definitely very fitting. Even our game the other night. Game 21 and we win 2-1 and Pontus Holmberg scores his first goal as the game winner. It's outstanding," said Keefe when asked about Nylander scoring the game winner.
"Obviously wearing the patch tonight, I thought it was a real nice touch from them to pull that together so quickly. Certainly he is and has been in our thoughts," continued Keefe as he touched on the overall meaning of the game. Big win for the Buds and a big night for the Swedes.
The Leafs will look to build on their mini two-game win streak as they are back in action Saturday night in Pittsburgh. Erik Kallgren will get the nod between the pipes to give Matt Murray an extra day of rest after playing 5 games in 10 days.
