Leafs vs Avalanche Game 6 Preview: Tavares OUT, Blankenberg Draws In, Goaltending Decisions, & Bets

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their road trip with Game 6 of the 2026-27 NHL season as they head to Denver to take on Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche, and Zack Phillips gets you set for puck drop with a full Leafs vs. Avalanche game preview!

The Maple Leafs will be without John Tavares tonight as he returns home for the birth of his child, forcing head coach Jim Hiller to make some adjustments to Toronto's lineup. Nick Paul moves up to centre the second line alongside Easton Cowan and William Nylander, while Colton Sissons takes over third-line centre duties alongside Gavin McKenna. Zack breaks down the new forward combinations, what Tavares' absence means for the Leafs, and whether Paul can step up in an increased offensive role.

Zack discusses the challenge of slowing down Colorado's high-powered offence, the Maple Leafs' defensive adjustments, the biggest matchups to watch, and his keys to the game against one of the NHL's most dangerous teams.

Stick around for Zack's best bets, predictions, projected lineups and everything you need to know ahead of Leafs vs. Avalanche!

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