William Nylander came up with two big assists Tuesday night and added an empty-netter, as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Nashville Predators 7-4.

It wasn’t the cleanest game, but Toronto’s offence got going once again, running the same lines they tried out Monday against the Red Wings. Speaking after the game, Nylander shared he felt good about how his line played, skating alongside Matias Maccelli and John Tavares.

“I thought we were generating,” he said. “Building off a good game (against Detroit) and just moving forward from there.”

Nylander now has seven points on the year, but has yet to beat a goalie, with both his goals coming on an empty-net. While he hasn’t come out booming to start the season, the Swedish winger is happy with how things are progressing.

“I think it’s coming along,” Nylander said. “I mean, it’s still the beginning of the season, so just getting that back.”

Asked what he wants to work in particular, the 29-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to all-around improvement.

“All areas of the game for me,” Nylander said. “Some areas with the puck, just finding that feel in certain situations.”

Tuesday was easily Nylander’s best game of the season so far, coming after Craig Berube called him out directly after the second loss to Detroit. Before Tuesday’s game, the two had a conversation, which clearly left a strong impression on both of them. Asked how it fuelled him, Nylander was especially direct.

“It was just a good conversation, that’s about it,” he said.

Clearly the conversation had an impact on him, as he put up three points and four shots. His first assist of the game came on a nice drop pass feed to Oliver Ekman-Larsson. After the game, Nylander praised the blue liner for his offensive abilities.

“He’s the kind of D that’s smart and makes plays with the puck and moves into those open spaces,” he said. “He’s been doing a great job and I think we’ve been connecting a little bit.”

Nylander and the team now get a day off at home before hosting the New York Rangers on Thursday. Puck drops from Scotiabank Arena at 7 pm.