Easton Cowan Seeks Nylander Chemistry as Marlies Launch Calder Cup Playoffs
From one Nylander to another, that is how Alex Nylander described the situation for Easton Cowan and the Toronto Marlies as they head into the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs. Cowan, fresh off a stint with the Maple Leafs, is embracing this new dynamic with enthusiasm.
After finishing the Maple Leafs' regular season on a line with William Nylander and John Tavares in 10 of the last 11 games, Cowan will be on the wing for Game 1 of the North Division first-round series against the Rochester Americans. He will be paired with Alex Nylander and Ryan Tverberg, aiming to replicate the chemistry he developed with William.
"I texted William the other day actually, saying we have chemistry," Cowan said after a Marlies practice at the Ford Performance Centre. "And he’s like, 'Ah, it’s easy to play with a Nylander.' They’re both skilled players and both can finish and make plays. It’s pretty funny getting to play with both, and it’s pretty cool. I just try to give them the puck."
Alex Nylander echoed this sentiment, highlighting Cowan's abilities. "Oh, it’s great. He has the vision, he can make plays and shoot the puck. The past two games, it was huge that we were able to play together before the playoffs. We just have to keep building. I think it’s going to be great." Alex also noted that he plans to lean on his brother William for support during the playoffs, as the two live together in Toronto.
Key Players to Watch in the Marlies Playoff Run
As the American Hockey League post-season gets underway, much attention is focused on Cowan, who recorded 29 points in 66 games during his NHL rookie season. His Marlies teammates are eager to see what the 20-year-old can achieve in his first, and likely only, Calder Cup playoffs appearance.
Veteran forward Bo Groulx praised Cowan, saying, "He’s our best player. I’ve watched him for the whole year, and you can tell he grew a lot as a player. He really took a step, I’d say physically, from when I first saw him at training camp, and now that he’s with us. We’re really happy he is here."
Other Marlies players are also poised to make an impact in the playoffs:
- Goalies Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov: Marlies coach John Gruden has not revealed his Game 1 starter, expressing confidence in both netminders. Akhtyamov impressed in a late-season stint with the Leafs, while Hildeby posted a .914 save percentage in 20 NHL games. Hildeby stated his goal is to play in the NHL full-time next season, and these playoffs offer a chance to prove his worth.
- Forward Bo Groulx: With five points in 13 games with the Leafs and 52 points in 59 games with the Marlies, Groulx has had a productive season. He emphasized the importance of the playoffs for young players and those on the bubble for making the NHL team next year.
- Centre Jacob Quillan: The 23-year-old's speed kept him in the Leafs lineup late in the season, and he had 36 points in 40 games with the Marlies. Quillan acknowledged he has work to do to secure a full-time NHL spot but is focused on helping the Marlies succeed.
- Defenceman William Villeneuve: After participating in the Leafs' final three games, Villeneuve aims to bring confidence and motivation to the Marlies. He noted his comfort playing with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and hopes to contribute to a successful playoff run.
The Toronto Marlies begin their best-of-three series against the Rochester Americans on Wednesday night at Coca-Cola Coliseum, with high hopes for their prospects and veterans alike.
