3 Takeaways From the Avalanche’s 6-3 Win Over the Maple Leafs

It has been a weird season so far for the Colorado Avalanche. Getting blown out in games they wouldn’t normally lose, the special teams being an outright detriment, and hovering right around the third playoff spot in the Central Division isn’t the norm.

Coming into Toronto on Tuesday night, it was critical for the Avalanche to build momentum on the road. They did just that, though it did get dicey until the third period. In the end, the Avalanche walked away with a big 6-3 win to snap a three-game skid.

Devon Toews is Having a Career Year

We know all about the offensive aspect of Cale Makar’s game, but a lot more needs to be said when it comes to the season Devon Toews is having. He was a difference maker on Tuesday, chipping in a goal and an assist with an eye-catching plus-five rating.

Toews has added a dimension to his offensive game that hasn’t been seen in years. He had a down season in 2025-26 with just three goals and 24 points in 68 games; he already has six goals and 18 points in just 19 games.

Toews is playing with confidence when the puck is on his stick and is on trajectory for a career season at 32 years old. It has made the Avalanche even more dangerous on the back end and also takes a bit of pressure off of Makar.

Artturi Lehkonen is Going to Get Paid

Speaking of career seasons, Artturi Lehkonen continues to score at a torrid pace. He notched his 13^th goal of the season in the win over the Maple Leafs, putting him at a ridiculous 57-goal pace.

While it would be shocking for him to put up that many, it is hard to ignore his level of play so far. This is a contract season for him, and he’s going to make this summer very difficult for the Avalanche if he blows past his career-highs.

Lehkonen has been one of the catalysts for the Avalanche even if he doesn’t necessarily get the love he deserves. He meshes well with Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, can play in all situations, and is capable of adding another dimension of offense to one of the best offensive teams in the league.

Blackwood Stood Tall When Needed

Things got a bit dicey for the Avalanche, seeing their 3-1 lead ultimately disappear just over four minutes into the third period. Easton Cowan’s goal at the end of the second period was a bad one for Mackenzie Blackwood, but he found himself with time to spare.

Blackwood turned aside 28 of 31 shots on Tuesday, helping hold off the Leafs as they held a 12-6 shot advantage in the final frame. This game was a perfect microcosm of Blackwood’s season as a whole: largely good with a few questionable moments.

If anything, the goaltending situation stresses how important it is for the defense to be more consistent. They were largely good in this one and Blackwood probably should have had both the second and third goals but it’s hard to complain about his overall performance.

A Tough Stretch Coming

It was absolutely vital for the Avalanche to get out of their skid with a road win. They have a tough slate coming up and going into it on a four-game losing streak would have made it even tougher to get back on track.

The Avalanche play the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Utah Mammoth, and Minnesota Wild on the road with home games against the Anaheim Ducks and Canadiens at home. Hopefully, this is the momentum-builder that lets them come out of this stretch with a winning record.