This is the first meeting between the Maple Leafs and Avalanche this season.

The Maple Leafs approach another tough test after their overtime loss on Long Island on Thursday night.

Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL's second-best point getter, and the Colorado Avalanche enter Scotiabank Arena for the first time since Mar. 15, 2023, where they won 2-1 in a shootout.

"He's been so good for so long. I think that's it," Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said of MacKinnon on Saturday morning. 

"He's got such confidence and they're leaning on him now probably even more than ever, I mean with 30 minutes [played] the other night. Their top guys are carrying the mail for them in lots of ways, and certainly, he's leading the way."

Colorado only has two losses in their last 10 games, one of which came in overtime against the Arizona Coyotes. So it'll be a strong Avalanche team against the Maple Leafs, who've five (two in overtime) of their last 10.

Toronto will have Martin Jones starting in goal for the seventh-consecutive time this season. The veteran goaltender is second in the league for save percentage (.928) among netminders who've entered double digits in games played.

"He's managed [the workload] well," Keefe said following the Maple Leafs' morning skate Saturday. "I think he's happy being in a regular rhythm and [to] be going."

In terms of lineup changes, it doesn't appear there'll be any from the Maple Leafs' side. Nick Robertson and Ryan Reaves remain on the outside looking in for Saturday's game.

Where to watch

For those in Canada, the game between Toronto and Colorado will be broadcasted nationally on Sportsnet. In the Colorado-area, the matchup can be found on Altitude. 

For the rest of the United States, the game can be found on NHL Network or it can be streamed on Fubo Sports US. Puck drop between the Maple Leafs and Avalanche is set for just after 7 p.m. ET.

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