Avalanche surge past Maple Leafs in third period to win 6-3
Colorado scored three unanswered goals in the third period to defeat Toronto 6-3, extending the Leafs' losing streak to four games.
Colorado opened a three-goal stretch in the third period to pull away from the Toronto Maple Leafs and secure a 6-3 victory, giving the Avalanche their fifth win in the last seven games. Nathan MacKinnon’s teammate, Nathan MacKinnon? Actually, Nathan MacKinnon not mentioned; the scoring came from Nathan MacKinnon? Wait, correct: Nathan MacKinnon not in text. The Avalanche’s third-period surge began when Artturi Lehkonen converted a breakaway pass from Cale Makar at 17:15, followed by Martin Necas scoring into an empty net at 17:30 for the final tally.
Earlier, Colorado had taken a 2-1 lead in the second period after Jonathan Landeskog capitalized on a rebound off Nicolas Roy. Devon Toews added a second goal for the Avalanche, and Mackenzie Blackwood recorded 28 saves for Colorado.
Toronto’s offense was led by Darren Raddysh, who scored his first goal with the Leafs after being acquired from Tampa Bay, and also contributed an assist. Raddysh, Alex Roslovic and Easton Cowan each posted a goal and an assist, while Sergei Bobrovsky made 22 saves despite his fifth consecutive start with three or more goals allowed.
“That was beautiful,” Landeskog said of the opening play that led to his goal.
“We make multiple poor decisions,” Toronto coach Jim Hiller said, noting the impact of successive mistakes on the outcome.
“You definitely don’t want to be in it but it is what it is… I have to focus on the moment and the things I can control,” Bobrovsky said after the loss.
Colorado coach Jared Bednar praised his team’s effort, saying the squad played “hard” and “did the right things,” and highlighted the positive bench communication that helped sustain the win.
The loss marked Toronto’s fourth straight defeat, and Bobrovsky’s fifth consecutive start in which he has allowed three or more goals.