Maple Leafs host Stars after Nylander's 2-goal game

Toronto looks to bounce back from loss to Panthers

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:51am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in the official team colors of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars, representing the motion and action of a hockey game between the two clubs.The Maple Leafs and Stars clash in a cubist-inspired depiction of their upcoming matchup, with the puck and players' motions fractured into a dynamic geometric composition.Dallas Today

The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Dallas Stars on Friday night, just days after William Nylander scored two goals in the Maple Leafs' 6-2 loss to the Florida Panthers.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs are looking to get back on track after the defeat, while the Stars hope to continue their strong start to the season. Nylander's performance was a bright spot for Toronto, and they'll look for him to provide a similar offensive spark against Dallas.

The details

In the loss to the Panthers, Nylander scored twice to give him 15 goals on the season. However, the Maple Leafs were unable to overcome a strong effort from the Panthers, who scored four unanswered goals to pull away. Toronto will now try to rebound at home against a Dallas team that has been one of the surprises of the early NHL season.

  • The game will take place on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Nylander scored his two goals against the Panthers on April 9, 2026.

The players

William Nylander

A forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who scored two goals in the team's recent loss to the Florida Panthers.

Toronto Maple Leafs

An NHL hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario that is hosting the Dallas Stars on Friday night.

Dallas Stars

An NHL hockey team based in Dallas, Texas that will be visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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What they’re saying

“We need to put this one behind us and focus on the Stars. William gave us a boost with his goals, and we'll need more of that kind of effort to get back in the win column.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach, Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will look to bounce back from the loss when they host the Stars on Friday night. A win would help them regain momentum in the playoff race.

The takeaway

Despite the loss, Nylander's two-goal performance was a bright spot for the Maple Leafs, who will need more of that kind of offensive production if they hope to get back on track against a tough Dallas team.