The Maple Leafs pay a visit to far and away the worst possession outfit in the League tonight in the Colorado Avalanche (9 p.m., Sportsnet-Ontario). They’re also the hottest team in the NHL.
That’s nothing unheard of in the Mile High City, as they bucked the odds all the way to the playoffs in 2013-14 before a oft-predicted return to Earth the following season.
They’re currently on a shooting and save percentage fuelled five-game winning streak that includes wins over the Islanders, Blackhawks, Blues and Predators. They beat the Blues 3-1 last week despite putting only 18 shots on goal.
Semyon Varlamov is looking more like his 2013-14 self of late, allowing just six goals in his last six starts.
The Leafs‘ sticks are heating up as well after a dormant start to the year, potting 19 over their last five.
Should make for a good game. pic.twitter.com/c8Tv9XjaEu
— Platinum Seat Ghosts (@3rdPeriodSuits) December 21, 2015
Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lines
Michael Grabner – Nazem Kadri – Leo Komarov
James van Riemsdyk – Tyler Bozak – PA Parenteau
Daniel Winnik – Peter Holland – Joffrey Lupul
Shawn Matthias – Byron Froese – Brad Boyes
Jake Gardiner – Dion Phaneuf
Matt Hunwick – Morgan Rielly
Martin Marincin – Roman Polak
Jonathan Bernier
Antoine Bibeau
Injured: James Reimer (groin), Stephane Robidas (groin), Nick Spaling (upper body), Garret Sparks (lower body)
Scratched: Frank Corrado
Colorado Avalanche Projected Lines
Gabriel Landeskog – Nathan MacKinnon – Matt Duchene
Andreas Martinsen – Carl Soderberg – Blake Comeau
Alex Tanguay – John Mitchell – Jarome Iginla
Cody McLeod – Mikhail Grigorenko – Jack Skille
Francois Beauchemin – Erik Johnson
Nick Holden – Tyson Barrie
Zach Redmond – Nate Guenin
Semyon Varlamov
Reto Berra
Injured: Ben Street (chest), Brad Stuart (back), Jesse Winchester (head)
Scratched: Brandon Gormley, Chris Wagner
