"If there is a single 20-minute period that encapsulates just how far the Maple Leafs have come in their overall team game and five-on-five structure during this 10-game points streak, it was the second period of this overtime win against Colorado. The Avalanche are far and away the best long-change team in the NHL, outscoring the opposition 64-37 entering tonight's game in the second period."
"It was a bit of a lucky bounce off Brent Burns' skate, but it was a bounce well earned by the work on the boards by the Nic Roy line, who recovered a puck and supported each other well along the wall before Cowan sent a pass into a good area toward Bobby McMann at the backpost (McMann was playing in Nick Robertson's spot after Robertson left the game early, due too a stinger on the inside of his knee from a shot block)."
"Following a good power play by the Leafs that nearly opened up a 2-0 lead, a Jake McCabe blown tire led to a scramble/breakdown in coverage during which Cale Makar took a seam pass from Martin Necas in Makar's wheelhouse at the backpost, making it 1-1. After a bad interference penalty by Morgan Rielly late in the frame, a bang-bang power-play goal for Brock Nelson off the faceoff put the Leafs behind the eight-ball entering the most difficult single-period test of their season to date."
The Maple Leafs' second period against Colorado showcased improved team game and five-on-five structure during a 10-game points streak. The Avalanche were the NHL's best long-change team, outscoring opponents 64-37 in second periods and 37-13 at home. Toronto entered the second down 2-1 after a competitive first, and Easton Cowan opened the scoring following sustained board work by the Nic Roy line. A Jake McCabe mistake allowed Cale Makar to tie the game, then a Morgan Rielly interference led to a Brock Nelson power-play goal that put Toronto behind. The Leafs won the second period 1-0 in goals while Auston Matthews nearly extended the lead.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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