Komarov, Nylander pay up on bets

The Toronto Maple Leafs, on the verge of the most wins in February in a decade and having come through the dog days of the schedule to their final 20 games, can afford a little levity.

When Wednesday’s practice began, forwards William Nylander and Leo Komarov were a shade red from embarrassment, while wearing red and white.

Komarov’s Finnish national team had lost 1- 0 a few hours earlier at the Olympics and he was wearing a Team Canada sweater, standing out amid all the blue and white. He lost a bet with assistant coach and former Canadian national program staffer Andrew Brewer.

“Looked good on me, eh?” Komarov said. “It was a good game, but Canada deserved to win. I just feel bad for Finland.”

Nylander, whose Swedes were upset by Germany Wednesday, had already lost a world junior bet to head coach Mike Babcock. He had to put on a louder sweater — red base with white trim and a No. 14 and Sochi on the back from the 2014 Games.

Babcock was grateful for Wednesday’s outcome.

“I would’ve had to wear a Swedish sweatsuit,” Babcock said with a laugh. “I wouldn’t have been able to get it off.”

The Leafs’ record is 37-205 and 8-2 this month heading into Thursday’s home game against the New York Islanders. This will be the second straight game the Leafs face a conference opponent in playoff peril after beating Florida 1- 0 Tuesday.

Here are five things to watch for Thursday:

1 A lack of net options:

Goalie Thomas Greiss was playing well until a lower-body injury sent him to injured reserve. Jaroslav Halak is no stranger to the Air Canada Centre and has a record of 8-3-3 against Toronto with a .909 save percentage.

2 Playoffs in peril:

The Leafs are winning, but they just can’t seem to gain on the Lightning and Bruins. But New York has no such cushion, already forced into playoff battle mode. The Isles are presently out of the top eight and in a dogfight with a few teams. They’ll be dialed in early. 3 Brick wall on Bay: Frederik Andersen is coming off his fifth shutout and 30th win. He is seeking his 18th victory on home ice as he chases the Leafs’ single-season record of 22.

4 No give:

These are two of the NHL’s worst teams in terms of giveaways. Toronto was better Tuesday, keeping it to eight with the defence accounting for seven. Travis Dermott’s arrival has helped.

5 One-goal wonders:

If the Leafs are up one goal in the third period, you can (almost) take it to the bank. They lead the NHL with 19 one-goal victories.