The Toronto Maple Leafs hosted the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night, and the group guided by Sheldon Keefe saw their three-goal lead melt away like snow under the warm spring sun.
After successive goals from Domi, Rielly and Liljegren, the Avalanche responded with five unanswered goals, winning the game 5-3.
Among the Av‘s five goals, Jonathan Drouin scored his 10th of the campaign and added an assist, for a total of 24 points in 41 games this year.
His total of ten goals equals the sum of his last three seasons (in terms of goals) with the Montreal Canadiens, which is no mean feat. His current pace could allow him to break the 50-point mark, which would be a first since the 2018-19 season.
Incidentally, Drou has recorded a total of six points in his last five duels, and on top of that, he ranks third in the average time-on-ice column since January 1, 2024.
Average playing time for forwards since January 1, 2024. Surprise third place.
1. Mikko Rantanen 25:33
2. Nathan MacKinnon 24:36
3. Jonathan Drouin 23:48
4. Vincent Trocheck 22:49
5. Nikita Kucherov 22:41– Alexandre Pratt (@alexandrepratt) January 14, 2024
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The trio he forms with his comrade Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen is exploding all over the place, with a combined 21 points in the last five games. As the French cousins say, it’s ” barjo”!
Sheldon Keefe had just the right words to describe Drouin’s combination with the duo of Cale Makar and Devon Toews:
“When MacKinnon’s line gets together with Makar and Toews, it’s not the NHL. It’s another league.”
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This quintet has helped the Avalanche collect eight wins in its last ten games and ride a three-game winning streak.
On the plus side, Jo Drouin is once again becoming an important member of a contending team.
In a gust
– The chemistry of the first trio is increasingly palpable!
Slafkovsky on the evolution of his chemistry with Caufield and Suzuki.
Where do they stand? pic.twitter.com/K1cjigojZJ
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) January 14, 2024
– The coach is proud of his flock!
The defensive involvement of several young players (Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky, Guhle) last night is of great value to Martin St-Louis. pic.twitter.com/MouzA2SM1k
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) January 14, 2024
– The Habs’ ménage à trois continues: Jake Allen will be in front of the Habs’ cage on Monday, against the mighty Colorado Avalanche. I don’t get it…
Jake Allen will be the starting goaltender for the @CanadiensMTL tomorrow night against the@Avalanche @RDSca
– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) January 14, 2024
– It’s true, it’s chilling!
We still got chills
We still got chills pic.twitter.com/3s5rN2aW7P
– PWHL Montréal (@PWHL_Montreal) January 14, 2024
– Now that’s fun in MT!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/Zcqle7HRDn
– PAT DENIS 66 🤟🏼🏖🍷 (@PatrickDenis20) January 14, 2024