Match Summary

In a nail-biting NHL matchup, the Toronto Maple Leafs secured a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. Joseph Woll’s stellar performance with 38 saves and Steven Lorentz’s short-handed goal in the third period were pivotal in the Leafs’ triumph.

Key Moments

Joseph Woll, the Leafs’ goaltender, made 38 saves, showcasing his exceptional skills and resilience. Steven Lorentz scored a crucial short-handed goal early in the third period, turning the tide in Toronto’s favor. Auston Matthews added another goal for the Leafs, marking his fourth in the last three games.

Player Highlights

Auston Matthews continued his impressive form, scoring his 65th game-opening goal of his career, tying Dave Keon for the second most in franchise history. Mats Sundin holds the record with 67.

Valeri Nichushkin scored the lone goal for the Avalanche, while Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves in a losing effort.

Team Performance

The Maple Leafs won their second consecutive game after a 6-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday. This win came after a rough 1-4-1 stretch, highlighting their resilience and determination.

The Avalanche, on the other hand, saw their impressive 8-0-1 run come to an end. Their last defeat in regulation was on February 23, making this loss a significant setback.

Division Standings

The Leafs are in a tight race for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, competing against the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Colorado is chasing the Dallas Stars for the Central Division’s No. 2 seed, with Dallas having topped the Avalanche 4-2 in the second round of last year’s playoffs.

Notable Achievements

Cale Makar of the Avalanche picked up an assist and is one point away from becoming the eighth defenseman in NHL history to hit 80 points in three separate seasons. The last blueliner to achieve this feat was Brian Leetch.

Toronto forward William Nylander is just one point away from reaching 600 career points, adding to the excitement and anticipation among fans.

Upcoming Matches

The Avalanche will visit Ottawa on Thursday, while the Maple Leafs will face the Rangers. Both teams have crucial games ahead as they continue their quests for playoff success.

Additional Notes

After trading power-play goals in the second period, Lorentz scored his sixth goal of the season on the penalty kill. A clearing attempt by Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit hit referee Kelly Sutherland, leading to a Toronto 2-on-1 that ended with Lorentz’s game-winning shot.