The Colorado Avalanche were unable to extend their winning streak to three-game following their 4 -3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. The Avs started off with a Daniel Winnik shorthanded goal at 5:55 in the first period. But Nikolai Kulemin scored two goals in the last half of the first period, the second coming with only seconds left on the clock. The Avalanche had only three shots on net in the first period.
Tyler Bozak extended Toronto's lead to 3-1 with a goal at 9:37 in the second period, which Ryan O'Reilly countered with an Avalanche power play goal several minutes later. Phil Kessel added another goal for the Leafs three minutes into the third period. Matt Duchene scored his 26th goal of the season to draw Colorado closer, and Ryan O'Reilly had a chance in the final minutes to tie the game, but, as with most things for the Avalanche this season, came up short.
Brian Elliott made 23 saves on 26 shots, but left the game for roughly four minutes. Peter Budaj was in net for that time and allowed one goal on the only shot he faced. He got saddled with the loss, having been in net for the game-winning goal.
Mark Olver left the game after a hit to the head and did not return. Erik Johnson assisted on all three Avalanche goals.
The Avalanche (28-37-8, 64 points) head to Los Angeles for a Saturday afternoon contest with the Kings.