Nylander enjoyed a similar experience last season, when he was called up for the final four games in Buffalo after scoring 28 points (10+18) in 65 games as a rookie in Rochester. He says he's in a better place this time around with another year of experience under his belt.
"I'm a little more confident, more prepared than last year," he said. "I've just got to enjoy every game I get here and play my best."
Nylander has scored 26 points (7+19) in 46 games with Rochester this season, including eight in his last eight contests. He'll join a line centered by another one of Buffalo's top prospects in Casey Mittelstadt, with the veteran Kyle Okposo playing on the opposite wing.
"Being so late in the season, I just want them to go play and get a feel for the NHL game and try some stuff, try to make some plays," Okposo said. "I'll try to cover up when I can for these guys and just play hard. I think that's the biggest thing, as long as we're working … their skill's going to come out."
Mittelstadt first met Nylander at development camp this past summer, but the two were also opponents at the World Junior Championship in January. Mittelstadt led the tournament with 11 points in seven games, while Nylander notched a goal and six assists.
"He has a ton of talent, ton of potential," Mittelstadt said. "The thing that stands out for me is his vision. I think he can make plays all over the ice. He's obviously especially good in the offensive zone. Anytime you get to play with a guy like that it's definitely exciting. I'm looking forward to it."
The young duo will also be featured on the same power-play unit, along with Jason Pominville, Nicholas Baptiste and Marco Scandella.
"He's a highly skilled player," Housley said of Nylander. "He was working at the net front down in Rochester. We're going to try to get him there and in different areas on our power play and see what he can do in those positions. I like ... that he was going harder to the net. He was paying a price to score goals. That's good to see."
Chad Johnson will make his fifth-straight appearance in net for Buffalo, with Linus Ullmark and Robin Lehner still sidelined due to injuries. Housley said it's possible that one of the goalies returns for the team's final road trip in Florida this weekend.
Coverage on MSG-B begins at 7 p.m., or you can listen live on WGR 550. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30.
