Event Preview
Overview
The Colorado Avalanche are set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Ball Arena in Denver on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM EEST (Eastern European Summer Time). This inter-conference matchup features two of the NHL's most dynamic teams, each vying for crucial points as the season progresses. The game holds significant implications for both teams' standings, with the Avalanche leading the Central Division and the Maple Leafs contending for a strong position in the Atlantic Division.
Season Snapshot
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche have been a dominant force this season, boasting a record of 33 wins, 4 losses, and 7 overtime losses. Their offensive prowess is evident, leading the league with an average of 4.0 goals per game. Defensively, they are equally impressive, allowing only 2.2 goals per game, the best in the NHL. Special teams have been a mixed bag; their power play ranks 26th in the league with a 16.56% conversion rate, while their penalty kill is among the best, operating at 85.60%. (foxsports.com)
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have a record of 22 wins, 15 losses, and 7 overtime losses. They average 3.4 goals per game, placing them eighth in the league. Defensively, they allow 3.2 goals per game, ranking 18th. Their power play is slightly more effective than Colorado's, with a 17.27% conversion rate, but their penalty kill is slightly less efficient at 85.34%. (foxsports.com)
Recent Form
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche have shown resilience, winning three of their last five games. Notably, they secured an 8-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on January 9, 2026, with defenseman Josh Manson recording his first career two-goal game. (nhl.com)
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have been on a strong run, winning four of their last five games. Their most recent victory was a 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames, snapping a two-game losing streak. (sportskeeda.com)
Talking Points
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Avalanche's Offensive Dominance: Colorado leads the league in goals per game, showcasing a high-powered offense.
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Maple Leafs' Power Play Efficiency: Toronto's power play has been more effective than Colorado's, potentially giving them an edge in special teams play.
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Injury Concerns: Both teams have key players on the injury list, which could impact their performance.
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Goaltending Matchup: The performance of each team's goaltender will be crucial in determining the game's outcome.
Players to Watch
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Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche): With 74 points this season, MacKinnon is a central figure in Colorado's offense. (foxsports.com)
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Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs): Leading the team with 33 points, Matthews' goal-scoring ability makes him a constant threat. (foxsports.com)
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William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs): With 41 points, Nylander's playmaking skills are vital to Toronto's success. (foxsports.com)
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Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche): Rantanen has recorded 12 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 12 games against Toronto, indicating his effectiveness against this opponent. (nhl.com)
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Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche): Makar's defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively make him a key player to watch.
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Solidity: Colorado's top-ranked offense faces Toronto's middle-of-the-pack defense, testing the Maple Leafs' ability to contain high-scoring teams.
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Special Teams Battle: With both teams having power play units operating below league average, the effectiveness of their penalty kills could be decisive.
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Injury Impact: The absence of key players like Gabriel Landeskog for Colorado and William Nylander for Toronto could influence line combinations and overall team dynamics.
Fun Facts
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Avalanche's Home Dominance: Colorado has an impressive home record of 19-0-2, making Ball Arena a fortress. (oddsshark.com)
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Maple Leafs' Road Challenges: Toronto has struggled on the road with a 6-10-2 record, which could be a factor in this matchup. (oddsshark.com)
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High-Scoring Games: Both teams have a history of high-scoring games, with the Avalanche averaging 4.0 goals per game and the Maple Leafs 3.4. (foxsports.com)
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Recent High-Scoring Encounters: In their most recent game on January 13, 2025, the Avalanche had 10 players on the scoresheet, with four recording multi-point games. (nhl.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can the Avalanche maintain their home dominance against the Maple Leafs?"
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"Will Toronto's power play be the difference-maker tonight?"
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"How will the absence of key players affect both teams' strategies?"
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"Is Nathan MacKinnon poised for another multi-point performance?"
Prediction
While both teams have potent offenses, Colorado's superior defensive record and home advantage make them slight favorites in this matchup. However, Toronto's recent form and power play efficiency suggest they could pose a significant challenge. The game is expected to be closely contested, with the Avalanche edging out the Maple Leafs in a tightly fought battle.