The Leafs will host the Colorado Avalanche in a rare Sunday afternoon game. The Avs come in with a record of 34-6-9, with one of those loses coming against the Leafs just a couple weeks ago. Nevertheless, they'll be a tough team to beat. The Avs are either first or second in 5v5 shots, goals, expected goals, scoring chances, and high danger scoring chances this season.

Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in goals (38) and points (87). His 30 even strength goals is also nine more than the Leafs leader, Auston Matthews. Their goalie, Scott Wedgewood, is second in league SV% at .918. Joseph Woll, the likely starter, has a .912.

Their power play is pretty bad, though they draw more penalties than they take. I think that's a product of having the puck so much. They're fast, talented, and full of confidence. But maybe not complete confidence as they dropped a stinker against the Flyers (7-3!) on Friday.

Look away, Species.

All seven of the other Atlantic Division teams played last night, four of them won. Florida won in Minnesota in overtime. Detroit over Winnipeg. Boston over Montreal in the Heated Rivalry Bowl. And Buffalo blanked the Islanders. We thank Mason for beating the Lightning, and a hearty LOLSENS as they lost 4-1 to Carolina despite out-shooting them 36-19.

Buffalo and Carolina had a minor trade.

Sabres acquire D Bayreuther from Hurricanes for F Neuchev
The Buffalo Sabres have acquired defenceman Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for prospect forward Viktor Neuchev, according to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston.
TSNTSN.ca Staff

This is where the Canucks are now.

The dilemma the Canucks face at the 2026 NHL Draft if they select 3rd
<p>We’re just a few short weeks away from the February Olympic break. With roughly 30 games remaining on the NHL schedule, the runway to cover ground is shrinking by the day. And sitting dead last with a healthy cushion in the NHL standings, there is a very real chance the Vancouver Canucks will arrive in&#8230;</p>
Canucks ArmyDave Hall

The Leafs are baffling.

Craig Berube on the Leafs’ inconsistency of late: “We make the game harder on ourselves than we need to... That is the baffling thing for me”
After Saturday’s optional practice, Craig Berube discussed his players coping with a grueling schedule ahead of the break, Scott Laughton’s ice time against Vegas, William Nylander’s status, and the number of stitches he received after his gym accident. Why did you decide not to hold a full practice today? Berube: We played yesterday, we practice […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

Hopefully Nylander returns soon. He was out with Joshua on a day Berube cancelled practice.

Maple Leafs’ William Nylander, Dakota Joshua return to practice
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff
‘It’s a grinding time’: Berube cancels practice as Leafs struggle to find energy
The Leafs did not like their performance in Friday’s 6-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday. The league-leading Colorado Avalanche will be visiting Scotiabank Arena on Sunday. So, why did the team cancel Saturday’s practice? Mark Masters has more.
TSNMark Masters

Stay warm everyone! Let this be the hour we draw shovels together!

From The Branches