Landeskog scores twice as Avalanche hand Maple Leafs fourth straight loss

Explainer

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Tuesday night, handing Toronto its fourth consecutive regulation loss. Gabriel Landeskog scored his second goal of the game early in the third period to break a 3-3 tie, and Martin Necas added an empty-netter to seal the win. The Maple Leafs have now dropped six of their last seven decisions, falling to 8-10-2 on the season. The Avalanche improved to 11-6-2 with the road victory.

Devon Toews had a goal and an assist for Colorado, while Brock Nelson and Artturi Lehkonen also scored. Cale Makar contributed two assists and goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 28 saves. For Toronto, Darren Raddysh and Eason Cowan each recorded a goal and an assist, and Jack Roslovic scored to briefly tie the game in the third period. Landeskog's decisive goal came just 51 seconds after Roslovic had made it 3-3. "Landeskog bagged the winner just 51 seconds after Roslovic tied the score 3-3 when he was left all alone in front of Bobrovksy," according to the game report.

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How did the game unfold?

Darren Raddysh opened the scoring for Toronto with a powerful shot that was clocked at 92.89 miles per hour. The NHL said it was the fourth fastest shot to result in a goal across the league this season. The Avalanche responded with goals from Devon Toews and Brock Nelson to take a 2-1 lead after the first period. Eason Cowan tied the game for Toronto in the second, but Artturi Lehkonen restored Colorado's lead before the intermission. Jack Roslovic's third-period marker briefly knotted the score at 3-3 before Landeskog scored the winner at the 5:02 mark. Martin Necas scored into an empty net to finalize the 6-3 scoreline.

What is the Maple Leafs' injury situation?

The Maple Leafs welcomed back two players from absences, but saw another key defender join a growing injury list. Jack Roslovic returned from a lower-body injury and shutdown defenceman Chris Tanev was back after a load management day, having both missed Sunday's 4-0 loss to New Jersey. However, veteran defenceman Morgan Rielly suffered a lower-body injury and is now listed as day-to-day. Centre Colton Sissons is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Top-line winger Kirill Marchenko and defencemen Marshall Rifai and Nick Blankenburg also remain sidelined week-to-week. Rielly "joined a long list of players receiving treatment in the trainer's room," the team reported.

How did key players perform after injury scares?

Colorado's Cale Makar played despite leaving Sunday's practice in Denver with an unspecified injury. He took part in the team's morning skate and declared himself ready for Tuesday, then recorded two assists in the victory. For Toronto, the 38-year-old goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Vezina Trophy winner, allowed six goals. He has now allowed three goals or more in 12 of his 13 starts since signing with the Maple Leafs in free agency on July 1. Garbutt Disposal reported in November that Bobrovsky made 33 saves in a losing effort against the Mammoth.

What is the significance of the loss for Toronto?

The loss extends a difficult stretch for the Maple Leafs, who have only one win in their last seven games. The team's record of 8-10-2 places them well outside a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. The defeat came despite the return of Roslovic and Tanev to the lineup, and despite Raddysh's high-speed opening goal. The Avalanche capitalized on their opportunities, with Landeskog scoring twice, including the quick response to Roslovic's tying goal. The Colorado Avalanche will visit the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. The Toronto Maple Leafs will return home to host the Minnesota Wild, also on Thursday. The Maple Leafs will look to snap their four-game losing skid in that contest.

With files from The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail and Sportsnet