Friday NHL game preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Colorado Avalanche

Auston Matthews vs. Nathan MacKinnon at the Pepsi Center. Game on.

Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche battles Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly in the slot last season. The teams meet Friday night in Denver.
Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche battles Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly in the slot last season. The teams meet Friday night in Denver.  (Dan Hamilton / USA Today Sports file photo)  
By Star staff
Thu., Dec. 28, 2017

PEPSI CENTER

FACEOFF: 9 p.m.

TV: Sportsnet

RADIO: Sportsnet 590 The FAN

KEY PLAYERS

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Matthews/MacKinnon

Since coming back from an apparent concussion, Leafs centre Auston Matthews has picked up where he left off — giving opposing goalies a workout. Perhaps not coincidentally, linemate William Nylander has also started scoring again. Nathan MacKinnon, meanwhile, continues to lead the Avs with 15 goals — four of the game-winning variety and 25 assists.

NEED TO KNOW

The Avalanche are just 2-4 at home in December . . . The Avs lost 3-1 to the Arizona Coyotes at the Pepsi Center on Wednesday night . . . Mikko Rantanen has a seven-game point streak going for Colorado, boosting his season total to 32 in 36 games.

UP NEXT

Sunday at Vegas Golden Knights, 3 p.m.

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