Nylander's points this year are a red herring. Yes, his overall game is better/more consistent this season. He has indeed set up/scored a small handful of really nice goals. But he's the master at piling up meaningless points in meaningless games, which is how we got to this false impression his game has gone to the next level just in time for the playoffs. I still see him only weakly stick checking opponents, going on lone rushes where he rags the puck uselessly then gives up the puck without creating a scoring chance, going for a long skate or immediately coasting off to the bench when he does give up the puck instead of stopping and going right back after it. Now it feels like he's pissed that he's again moving down the depth chart, playing with weaker players instead of the team's stars. Won't be surprised if he once again essentially disappears as a consistently effective player against much tougher teams in the first round.
