The Colorado Avalanche are in an unfamiliar spot. After losing an ugly 7-3 decision to the Philadelphia Flyers, the Avalanche found themselves with a 4-5-1 record since the turn of the calendar. Things have even gotten to a point that the Avalanche are heavily linked to some unlikely names.
The Avalanche needed a response and got one with one of their best games of 2026. Against a Toronto Maple Leafs team that really needed the points, the Avalanche dominated and walked out with the 3-1 victory.
Brock Nelson is on an Otherworldly Tear
It has been discussed several times this season, but it really can’t be said enough just how good Brock Nelson has been this season. His 27 goals and 45 points in 50 games would be top-line production on a lot of teams, yet here he is giving the Avalanche elite second-line production.
On Sunday against the Maple Leafs, he registered a hat trick, showing fantastic chemistry with Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen. The trio combined for five points in the win, the catalyst to the victory.
The Avalanche would be no slouch offensively without him, but Nelson pushes this team to a whole new level. His plus/minus numbers are a bit deceptive as well because he makes plays all over the ice that lead to rushes the other way. Nelson has been worth everything it cost to get him and will be pivotal to another Cup run.
Back in Black(wood)
The goaltending for the Avalanche has been arguably the best in the league this season. The duo of Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood have been lights out, providing outstanding goaltending no matter who is in the lineup.
Related: NHL Morning Recap – January 26, 2026
That said, Blackwood has had a rough go of things lately. He gave up five goals in a loss to the Nashville Predators and six in the aforementioned loss to the Flyers. Perhaps more than anyone, Blackwood needed to have a strong game against the Leafs.
He delivered across the board, stopping 32 of 33 Maple Leaf shots, the lone blemish coming on a power play goal with just 1:02 remaining. The Avalanche controlled play but Blackwood made save after save when called upon, giving the Avalanche what they needed to walk away with the win.
A Dominant Performance
Looking at the box score doesn’t quite convey how one-sided this game was. The Avalanche got on the Leafs early, winning the shot battle 17-6 and the score battle 2-0 through the first period. That would have been enough, but the Avalanche added to their total with a Jack Drury goal near the end of the second period.
The Avalanche controlled the flow of the game and led in shots 31-19 through two periods. They took their foot off the gas pedal a bit in the third period, but it was all but over by that point.
The Avalanche needed this kind of game, especially against a team that should be in desperation mode. The Leafs may have been missing a few pieces, but the Avalanche made a statement on the road and hopefully can take some momentum out of this.
A Great Response Game
This was the perfect response given how poorly things have gone of late. The power play is still a problem, going 0-for-2 on the day, but it remains the lone glaring flaw for what has to be considered the most complete team in the NHL.
The remaining games in the road trip are tough. They get the surging Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, and their old rivals the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Winning two of three is imperative and leaves them in a good spot heading into the Olympic shutdown.
