TORONTO — The Brock Nelson doubters are awfully quiet now.

The 34-year-old center recorded his fifth career hat trick Sunday at Scotiabank Arena, leading the Avalanche to a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. There were some that questioned Nelson’s inclusion on the United States’ Olympics squad, but those folks don’t have a leg to stand on as the center has 21 goals in his last 26 games.

When you’re hot, you’re hot.

“If I knew, I would bottle it up and keep it a secret,” Nelson said after Sunday’s game. “I think it’s trying to just play and not really think about too much. Just fortunate to play with (Artturi Lehkonen) and (Val Nichushkin), bounce around a little bit with Marty (Martin Necas) and Nate (MacKinnon). We got a lot of high-end skill and depth.”

High-end skill is one thing Nelson has shown he has. but what Jared Bednar and Avalanche management love about him is his attention to detail. That’s also what they love about Nichushkin and Lehkonen.

If Bednar gets his way, that line will be together for a while.

“What allows that, especially with Landy out, it’s the elevation of (Victor) Olofsson’s game,” Bednar said. “He’s been solid, both sides of the puck. He has the ability and skill and intelligence to play with skill players like (MacKinnon) and (Necas). We haven’t lost a beat on that line. The Nelson line is one you can put out in any situation, so I like that. I’d love to be able to keep it together for a while.”

In nearly 10 minutes of even strength ice-time together, that Nelson trio held an expected goals-for percentage of 75%. They scored one of their own and held the Maple Leafs to just two scoring chances when they were on the ice.

Not bad, which is also what can be said about Mackenzie Blackwood’s performance in net.

Scott Wedgewood stayed home to be with wife Brittany and their newborn child, which meant Blackwood had a chance to bounce back after two disappointing starts. He does that, stopping 32 of 33 shots and coming just 62 seconds away from his third shutout of the season.

The only way to get Blackwood back into a rhythm is to get him in net.

“It’s hard to go and miss two weeks at a time here and there. I don’t think it’s good for anybody, especially a goalie,” Blackwood said. “The whole game depends on reads and patience and watching the play. The only way to feel confident in doing that is doing it.”

Blackwood’s biggest save came with about 10 minutes remaining in regulation, as he sprawled to stop Matias Maccelli on a rebound opportunity with his blocker.

That’s more of what the Avalanche are looking for from their No. 1 goaltender.

“He was great tonight,” Bednar said of his starter.

As great as Blackwood was, he was overshadowed by Nelson, who picked up his first hat trick with the Avalanche. It took multiple attempts at the empty net and a few lengthy shifts, but he eventually got it.

“I kind of came over (to the bench) and a couple guys said to stick around (on the ice),” Nelson said.

***

Avalanche 4, Maple Leafs 1

What happened: Colorado started hot and played a “mature” game, according to their coach. “Great start to the road trip,” Bednar said.

What went right: Devon Toews and Ross Colton are on the road trip with the Avalanche, and it appears Toews has a chance to return in a few days. After the win, the Avalanche sent Jack Ahcan back to the Colorado Eagles, who don’t play again until Wednesday. As AHL players now have to dress in an AHL game before returning to the NHL, it would seem to indicate Toews has a chance to play in Ottawa on Wednesday. Wedgewood is expected to meet the team before their next game as well.

What went wrong: Zakhar Bardakov isn’t going to earn brownie points from anyone with his late penalty, which gave the Maple Leafs the power play that ultimately ended Blackwood’s shutout.

Avalanche goal scorers: Nelson (25, 26, 27), Drury (8)

Maple Leafs goal scorers: Domi (7)

Between the pipes: Blackwood stopped 32 of 33 shots for the win.

What’s next: The Avalanche will practice in Toronto on Tuesday before playing the Senators in Ottawa on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.