Blackwood Eyes Redemption, Makar Ready to Go as Avalanche Face Maple Leafs

The last time Mackenzie Blackwood faced Toronto, things got ugly in a hurry.

The Maple Leafs chased him for five goals in Colorado’s 6-3 loss at Ball Arena on October 10. Now, with the Avalanche heading to Toronto for the rematch, Blackwood gets a chance to show how much has changed since that night.

Colorado has dropped three of its last four meetings with the Leafs, and Toronto has found plenty of offense along the way. Their last matchup was no exception.

Nathan MacKinnon scored twice for the Avalanche, while Brock Nelson added a goal. Toronto answered with a big performance from Auston Matthews and William Nylander, who combined for four goals and five assists. Easton Cowan also got on the scoresheet, while former Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg wasted little time making his presence felt, scoring on his first shot as a Maple Leaf.

Makar Expected to Play

There was some concern surrounding Cale Makar after he left Sunday’s practice for precautionary reasons. However, the star defenseman told The Denver Post’s Corey Masisak that he’s ready to go against Toronto, providing a welcome update for Colorado ahead of Tuesday’s matchup.

Matthews and Nylander Remain a Problem

Colorado will have its hands full with Toronto’s top offensive threats again. Matthews has scored four goals and added three assists in his last four games against the Avalanche. Nylander has been especially productive lately, with three of his four career goals against Colorado coming in the last two meetings. He’s also chipped in four assists during that stretch.

MacKinnon has given Toronto plenty of problems himself. He’s collected 27 points in 25 career games against the Leafs and will be looking to lead Colorado’s response.

A Different Blackwood This Time Around?

Blackwood has been a different goaltender since that loss. He’s gone 7-1-1 with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage over his last nine starts.

He also comes off a 27-save shutout against Detroit, where the Avalanche cruised to a 4-0 victory. That performance should give him some momentum heading into Tuesday’s rematch.

Toronto got the better of him the first time. Blackwood will have a chance to make sure the rematch tells a different story.

Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena takes place at 5 p.m. local time.