Breadcrumb Trail Links
SportsHockeyNHLToronto Maple Leafs
Getting key bodies back has changed the narrative of the playoff race
Get the latest from Lance Hornby straight to your inbox Sign Up
Published Jan 13, 2026 • 3 minute read
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Toronto Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews, left, directs the puck at Colorado Avalanche goaltender Trent Miner, right, while being checked by Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski, second from left, in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Denver. Photo by David Zalubowski /APArticle content
In the autumn, when the Maple Leafs were mediocre at home and away, there seemed little chance any venue would yield a significant win.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
Then came Monday’s 4-3 overtime upset in the den of the Colorado Avalanche that capped a 10-game points streak. What hadn’t worked in coach Craig Berube’s constant deck shuffling is now coming up aces.
Article content
Article content
Our takeaways on a big night as confidence soared in the Mile High City — and put the Leafs in a playoff spot for the first time since early November:
THEY’RE BACK WITH A BANG
Toronto’s points run of 8-0-2 has been fuelled in the most recent games by players whose absence was a reason for the autumn slump. This streak is just the fifth of its kind in 20 years, covering some 100-point teams in Toronto’s Core Four era.
After his second stint on IR, goalie Joseph Woll has won three straight and is 7-1-1 in nine decisions, not counting one that Dennis Hildeby replaced him for a victory. Woll’s given up just four on the last 91 shots, but was definitely looking behind him in overtime when Nathan MacKinnon hit iron and Martin Necas swiped at the empty net rebound.
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll deflects a shot in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Denver. Photo by David Zalubowski /AP
“I saw it go by me, but didn’t hear the stadium go insane,” a relieved Woll told media in Denver. “I told my post ‘thank you’ and we win the game.”
Your Midday Sun
Thanks for signing up!
Article content
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Nylander, injured for six games, had a three-point Saturday against Vancouver, then used his fourth shot to sink the Avs in OT. It was his 50th game-winning goal, to tie Ron Ellis for fifth in club history and tie Daniel Sedin for the most NHL overtime goals by a Swede with 16.
On defence, Brandon Carlo, who wasn’t having a great start before foot surgery, has been getting his big body and stick in front of a lot of opposition chances.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, front, congratulates right wing William Nylander after he scored the winning goal in overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Denver. Photo by David Zalubowski /APCAPTAIN IN THE CRUNCH
Matthews is enjoying his renaissance of the past month, seven goals the past six games, and he could’ve had a hat trick Monday in addition to assisting Nylander’s winner. That was while going up against Nathan MacKinnon’s lethal line, which did its damage, but didn’t overwhelm Matthews and his own wingers.
His ice time was a team high 25:29 at high altitude, with an excruciating two to serve on an unfortunate trip with less than three minutes to go in regulation.
“I owe the boys one for pulling that out, we didn’t give them anything (on the power play),” Matthews said. “We did a good job managing the puck, their skill and speed.”
Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
And he did well, leading by example.
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Nicholas Robertson lies on the ice after injuring his left leg in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Denver. Photo by David Zalubowski /APHANDY MCMANN
When Nick Robertson left the game in the first period (a shot block injury to be re-evaluated Tuesday), Berube elevated Bobby McMann from the energy line to play with Nicolas Roy and Easton Cowan.
Many saw it a flawed decision last week to take the hot McMann off Matthews’s flank, but the shift was seamless Monday. McMann would’ve got some credit on Cowan’s goal had the official scorer not ruled Brent Burns kicked the puck in his own net and removed the assists by both linemates.
Roy later won a key defensive draw and sent the speedy McMann past three Avs for a breakaway goal. He now has six points his last seven games.
“The biggest strength of my game is just skating,” McMann reminded, “getting in on pucks, forcing turnovers, generating pucks back to our guys, continue to be physical.”
Woll was a Marlies’ teammate of the undrafted McMann.
“He was unbelievable, averaging a goal a game when I was with them. It’s great to see him producing (in the NHL),” Woll said.
X: @sunhornby
Article content
Share this article in your social network