William Nylander of the Maple Leafs was sick against the Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC – If the Toronto Maple Leafs are to continue their winning ways on this road trip, they will have to do it without their leading scorer and overtime hero.

William Nylander will miss Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals due to illness, head coach Craig Berube announced two hours before puck drop.

Nylander, who leads all Leafs with 31 points in 20 games, also missed Friday’s practice but was seen in good spirits around his teammates at Capital One Arena.

Berube said Friday’s absence from practice was due to “rehab, not illness, and he expected Nylander to play.”

“It happened, I think, last night. I was sleeping. But he woke up, and (was sick) all day today. So, he’s not available to play,” Berube said.

“Willie, he wants to play. There’s no doubt about that. So, if it can get him through here quick enough and see how he is tomorrow. Hopefully, he’ll be available tomorrow.”

The Maple Leafs will fly to Pittsburgh postgame to play the Penguins on Saturday.

Nylander’s absence will force Berube to ditch his planned five-forward power play and put Morgan Reilly on the more traditional top unit.

Dakota Joshua, who was healthy for Wednesday’s 2-1 win in Columbus, returns to the Leafs’ lineup.

Joseph Woll will make his sixth consecutive start in goal for the Maple Leafs.