Leafs star William Nylander on the challenges of playing in a market-like Toronto: "There are ups and downs always"

William Nylander has been the Leafs' most in-form player this season as the team continues searching for consistency.

He came up clutch in Tuesday’s 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues, scoring the winner in the extra frame. The win helped the Leafs end their five-game losing streak.

After the game, Nylander shared his thoughts about the challenges of playing in a market like Toronto and what the win meant to the team coming out of a difficult stretch.

"I think it was a nice win after the tough stretch that we've had. So, I mean, just battling and competing to grind out a win was nice.I think that's what is needed to be a good team and to be able to win those kind of games. And we were losing a lot of games, losing guys. So, I mean, that's a lot of adversity right there. So, learn from the process," Nylader said.

He added:

"I mean, I think you have to, and I think that's something that you've learned playing here. And there are ups and downs always in every season. If it's team or person or whatever, I mean, it happens. So, just got to stay even-keeled."

William Nylander leads the Leafs with 27 points scored through nine goals and 18 assists in 17 games.

William Nylander's Maple Leafs snap five-game losing streak with a win over the St. Louis Blues

On Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs ended their five-game losing skid after defeating the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in overtime at Scotiabank Arena. The Maple Leafs improved their record to 9-9-2, sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division with 20 points.

Nathan Walker opened the scoring for the Blues, putting them ahead 1-0 just 1:50 into the first period. Jake McCabe tied it 1-1 for the Leafs at 5:38 before heading into the second period.

Steven Lorentz then gave Toronto a 2-1 lead with a goal at 9:32. The Blues responded with Dalibor Dvorsky’s power-play goal at 13:18 to tie the game 2-2. After a scoreless third period, William Nylander scored the overtime winner for Toronto 4:06 into the extra frame.

Joseph Woll was solid between the pipes, making 28 saves with a .966 save percentage. The Leafs' next game is against the Columbus Blue Jackets at home on Thursday.