The Toronto Maple Leafs came home hoping to build momentum and make a serious push in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Instead, they’ve hit a wall.
With Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, the Leafs have now dropped four straight on their current five-game homestand (0-3-1) and are 1-4-2 since rattling off an impressive 8-0-2 stretch. The timing couldn’t be worse, and the frustration is starting to show - both on and off the ice.
One of the team’s most dynamic offensive weapons, William Nylander, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury and has missed the last five games. But even from the stands, his passion for the game - and his team - was on full display.
During Sunday’s loss, TV cameras caught a visibly upset Nylander making a middle finger gesture while watching the Leafs fall behind early and struggle to recover. The moment, captured by Sportsnet, quickly made the rounds online.
To his credit, Nylander addressed the incident almost immediately, posting an apology on Instagram: “Only love for Leafs Nation,” he wrote. “Sorry about my moment of frustration today!
Didn’t mean to upset anyone. Looking forward to being back on the ice and not in the stands.
Love, Willy.”
For a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, the frustration is understandable. Nylander has been a critical piece of Toronto’s offense this season, racking up 17 goals and 31 assists in just 37 games.
His absence has been felt - not just in the box score, but in the energy and pace he brings to the ice. His skating, creativity, and lethal shot have been essential to the Leafs’ attack, and without him, the offense has clearly lost a step.
The good news? Nylander skated prior to Saturday’s practice, a promising sign that a return could be imminent.
The Leafs wrap up their homestand Tuesday night against a red-hot Buffalo Sabres squad, and there’s optimism that Nylander could be back in the lineup for that one. Toronto could certainly use the boost.
William Nylander has apologized for flipping the bird to the camera during today's @TSN_Sports broadcast of Leafs-Avs, calling it a "moment of frustration."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 26, 2026
This is from Nylander's IG: pic.twitter.com/1A8DF2x3AV
While Auston Matthews continues to lead the charge as the face of the franchise, Nylander’s presence gives the Leafs another elite weapon - one capable of changing the game in a single shift. His return wouldn’t just help the team on the scoreboard; it could also reset the tone in a locker room that’s clearly feeling the weight of a tough stretch.
This next game could be a turning point. If Nylander suits up and brings his usual spark, it might be just what the Leafs need to get back on track.