Kadri scores 2 goals, Maple Leafs blank Avalanche 6-0

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen, of Denmark, pulls on his mask after a timeout against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

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Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is congratulated as he passes the team box after scoring an unassisted goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander, left, loses control of the puck as he is checked by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cody Goloubef in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

DENVER – Nazem Kadri scored twice, Frederik Andersen stopped 38 shots for his first shutout of the season and the Toronto Maple Leafs routed the Colorado Avalanche 6-0 on Thursday night.

Auston Matthews scored his team-leading 16th goal to get the Maple Leafs started in the first period. James Van Riemsdyk had a goal and an assist, and Connor Brown and Frederik Gauthier also scored for Toronto.

Andersen earned his seventh career shutout, and it was an easy one for the NHL veteran. The Maple Leafs scored five goals in 21:29 spanning the first and second periods, starting with Matthews' goal at 7:13 of the first.

Gauthier's first goal of the season at 8:42 of the second ended Semyon Varlamov's night. The Colorado goalie allowed five goals on 18 shots and was replaced by Calvin Pickard.