Leafs losing more bets on Olympics than games recently

The Toronto Maple Leafs, on the verge of the team’s most wins in February in a decade and having only 20 games remaining, 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 lost 1-0 to Canada a few hours earlier at the Olympics and he was wearing a Team Canada sweater. He lost a bet with assistant coach and former Canadian national program staffer Andrew Brewer.

“Looked good on me, eh?” good sport Komarov said after. “It was a good game, but Canada deserved to win. I just feel bad for Finland. They could have won, too.”

Nylander, whose Swedes were upset by Germany on Wednesday, had already lost a world junior gold bet to Leafs head coach Mike Babcock. He had to put on a more loud 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 sweat suit,” Babcock said with a laugh. “I wouldn’t have been able to get it off.”

The Leafs’ record is 3720-5 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.

“We’re going to play a hungry team with a lot on the line, who didn’t have a good night here last time (a 5-0 loss),” Babcock said. “They have a lot on the line.” 1 A lack of net options

Goalie Thomas Greiss was playing well until a lower body injury sent him to injured reserve. Jaroslav Halak has a record of 8-33 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. New York has no such cushion, already forced into playoff battle mode. The Isles are 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’ singleseason 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 wins.