Nylander and Thompson had success as linemates during the preseason opener in Columbus on Monday, each tallying a pair of assists. It was their combined work on the forecheck - combined with a slick pass from Nylander - that led to Patrik Berglund's goal to open the scoring in that game.
Mittelstadt and Nylander, meanwhile, have become intrinsically linked since the end of last season. They were selected eighth overall in back-to-back years, scored their first NHL goals in the same game and, at the Prospects Challenge, they showed an ability to complement one another on the ice.
"I think we both just like to make plays with the puck," Mittelstadt said. "We like to have the puck on our stick, control it. I don't think we're too big into giving it away or anything like that. We both see the ice well, we both like to spread it out a little bit, so I think we'll work together nicely."
The offensive talents of Mittelstadt, Nylander and Thompson are obvious, but it's the details of the game that will keep them at the next level. Housley said he'll be focused on how the trio manages their defensive responsibilities against a talented Maple Leafs roster.
"They're young, they're fast, they're skilled," he said. "The only thing I'm concerned about is just the checking portion of it. If they take care of that, they're going to get turnovers and they're going to create offense. But they've got to pay attention to the players they're playing against."
Tonight's game can be seen live on MSG-B, or you can listen to Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray call the game on WGR 550. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.
