Nylander could play a pivotal role if the Sabres are to end their four-game winless streak against their rivals to the north. He's joined with Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues to form one of Buffalo's most effective lines over the past two games, including a two-assist outing against St. Louis on Sunday.
Nylander, Rodrigues and Sheary have shared the ice for 30:00 at even strength, according to Natural Stat Trick. They've out-attempted opponents 50-17 in that span, generating a 74.63 Corsi-for percentage, and outscored opponents 2-0.
"I've played with E-Rod for a while now, so I think we've grown a little bit of chemistry," Sheary said. "He likes to play a fast game, as do I. I think Nyls brings a little bit of skill to our line. He's got some pretty good vision and he's got a pretty good shot, so he creates opportunities that way."
"I think we all want to play fast, move the puck quickly and [produce] scoring chances," Nylander added.
The trio combined for 11 shots and 14 attempts against the Blues. Rodrigues and Sheary both scored goals, while Nylander's two assists marked the first multi-point outing of his NHL career.
Rodrigues and Sheary both said after that contest that they could see Nylander growing more comfortable, now four games into his third NHL stint. Sabres coach Phil Housley echoed that sentiment on Tuesday.
"He's taking advantage of the opportunity," Housley said. "Each and every game he seems to get better. His linemates are helping him out, they play a fast game. He's just getting more confident down low, in the corner.
"He's driving on cycles, he's making plays up ice and he's using his speed. I really like his shot mentality last game. Coming off the wing, he was thinking about shot entering the offensive zone. He's got to continue to shoot pucks."