TORONTO — A third-period comeback lasted less than a minute for the Maple Leafs on Tuesday before another defensive breakdown helped send them to a 6-3 loss against the Colorado Avalanche, extending Toronto’s regulation losing streak to four games.

According to reporting by Joshua Clipperton of The Canadian Press, published by Global News, Toronto has lost six of its past seven games and sits second-last in the Atlantic Division at 8-10-2 through 20 games.

The Leafs trailed 3-1 late in the second period when Easton Cowan slipped a shot through Colorado goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood as a Toronto power play expired. Jack Roslovic tied the game early in the third with an individual effort.

But Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog was left unmarked in front less than a minute later and scored his second goal of the night, putting the Avalanche ahead for good.

Toronto’s Raddysh, who scored his first goal for the club in the opening period, had tried unsuccessfully to leave the ice before the deciding goal. His shift stretched to 75 seconds before he lost Landeskog in front, while William Nylander was slow to react.

“We made multiple poor decisions — multiple — and it’s usually how hockey works,” Leafs head coach Jim Hiller said. “You can’t make one, two, three poor decisions in a row … and veteran players, you can’t have it.”

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky allowed five goals on 27 shots. The 38-year-old has surrendered at least three goals in 12 of his 13 starts this season and is on a personal five-game losing streak. His record stands at 3-8-2, with an .881 save percentage and a 3.34 goals-against average.

Bobrovsky said Toronto needs to simplify its defensive play when games turn against it, particularly by protecting the middle of the ice.

Injuries have also depleted the lineup. Kirill Marchenko, Morgan Rielly and Colton Sisson remain sidelined, while John Tavares and Chris Tanev have missed extended stretches.

Tanev returned Tuesday after being held out of Sunday’s loss to New Jersey for load management. He said he disagreed with the decision but understood the aim of keeping him available later in the season.

Hiller declined to blame injuries for Toronto’s record.

“The only way out is stay together and work,” he said.

Sources