Mike Rupp finds fault with $92,800,000 Maple Leafs forward after dismal Game 5 loss

NHL analyst Mike Rupp was critical of Maple Leafs forward William Nylander after Toronto Maple Leafs's dismal 4-0 loss against the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 on Tuesday. The defeat cut the Maple Leafs' series lead to 3-2.

Speaking on NHL Network, Rupp called out Nylander, who has an 8-year, $92,000,000 contract, for his lack of intensity and leadership in the crucial playoff game:

"I don't want to call out William Nylander, but the shorthanded goal against, his body language, it stopped. At some point this guy can run this league, he is that talented. But he doesn't have the killer instinct...At some point you got to lead these guys in this situation."

Rupp analyzed specific plays made by Nylander in Game 5 that highlighted his passive approach:

"William is right in front of the middle screen, he's leaning on one foot. I get it, William Nylander is uber talented, but you got 17 guys on your bench watching, they want to see you, if you get uncomfortable, it gets everybody jacked up.”

Rupp stressed that it gives him goosebumps seeing players step out of their comfort zones for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Nylander just refuses to do it.

Mike Rupp reviews William Nylander's plays in Maple Leafs Game 5

Mike Rupp called out Nylander for appearing disinterested and not giving full effort on several plays.

In the first period, Rupp highlighted a play where Nylander weakly tried to block a shot in the corner instead of laying out to prevent the scoring chance.

"Watch him swinging in the corner, come out stick one foot to block the shot, you flip on another other game or parts of this game, I'm seeing guys lay their face on the line...” Rupp said.

Later in the second period, Rupp again called out Nylander for not driving hard to the net for a potential rebound, saying:

“How about little lean into him, you care… You want to be listed with these all time greats, you got to show that you're willing to show that stuff."

Rupp pointed out that Nylander needs to show more commitment like other stars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby.

One another example was on an Ottawa goal where Nylander lagged behind on the backcheck. Rupp noted that despite Nylander's speed which was on display at the All-Star Game, he coasted and allowed his man to get behind him for the score.

“That guy at the bottom of the circle beats him up the ice. Ten strides. That’s my thing... I’ve watched him be different over the last couple of years." he added.

Maple Leafs' Game 6 is on Thursday night at Ottawa.