TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (38-21-3) at COLORADO AVALANCHE (37-24-2)
When: Saturday, 7 p.m., Ball Arena
TV: Sportsnet Radio: TSN 1050
Odds: Maple Leafs +107, Avalanche -132
THE BUZZ
The Maple Leafs had centre Brock Nelson in their sights in a trade and sure enough, they’ll get an up-close look at him on Saturday. Nelson will be in Avalanche colours, though, after Colorado acquired him from the New York Islanders late on Thursday night … A third poor effort in a row by the Leafs, following losses to Vegas and San Jose, wouldn’t be acceptable. The Tampa Bay Lightning has moved to one point within the Leafs and would pass Toronto in the Atlantic Division, even if it’s temporary, with a win against Boston on Saturday afternoon … Strange but true: The Leafs haven’t lost in regulation in Denver since Jan. 17, 2006, when Jason Allison, Jeff O’Neill and Mats Sundin scored the Toronto goals in a 5-3 loss. Since then, the Leafs are 9-0-3 in their past 12 games as visitors. They’ve won the past two meetings between the clubs at Ball Arena, outscoring the Avs 10-5 … Any way you break it down, the Avalanche has been on a good run. Colorado has won four games in a row, six of eight and eight of 11. With the way the standings are today, the Avs will be in a fight with the Minnesota Wild for third place in the Central Division until the final days of the regular season.
THE NEWS
Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said newcomers Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo were expected to join the club in Denver on Friday night, and coach Craig Berube said the two will be in the lineup if they’re available. The lines below were from practice on Friday in Denver, and presuming Laughton plays, he would be the third-line centre. How Berube constructs his lines, other than the top trio, remains to be seen … Carlo would get a look with Morgan Rielly, and Philippe Myers would be on the third pair, likely, with Simon Benoit. Conor Timmins was called off the ice during practice to be told he was being traded … Berube said Chris Tanev (upper body) is doubtful to play.
THE QUOTE
“A lot of confidence in the group and we added some good players.
I think it’s exciting. It’s an exciting time of year. We have our group now. There are no changes that can be made, we know who we’re rolling with.”
— Leafs captain Auston Matthews on the additions of Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo
THE POLL
What best sums up your feelings of the work Brad Treliving did on deadline day?
THE PROJECTED LEAFS LINEUP
Forwards
Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner
Pontus Holmberg-John Tavares-William Nylander
Bobby McMann-Max Domi-Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz-David Kampf-Calle Jarnkrok
Defence
Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers
Jake McCabe-Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Simon Benoit-TBD
Goal
Anthony Stolarz
Joseph Woll
THE INJURIES
TOR: D Chris Tanev (upper body), D Jani Hakanpaa (knee), F Max Pacioretty (undisclosed).
COL: F Gabriel Landeskog (knee).
THE PREDICTION
The Leafs are buoyed by the additions and end their two-game skid with a 5-3 victory.