Mikko Rantanen scored twice in the third period to complete his ninth career hat trick, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2.

The Colorado Avalanche got dragged into a defensive slog Wednesday night with the Los Angeles Kings, but having more world-class players than the other team works in those types of contests, too. Mikko Rantanen had a natural hat trick and an assist ...

In the final game before Valeri Nichushkin and perhaps even Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood returned to the lineup, the Avalanche again relied on their top stars to carry the load offensively.

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche extended their winning streak to three games Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Kings as Mikko Rantanen recorded his 9th career hat trick.

Nathan MacKinnon had three assists to extend his season-opening home point streak to 11 games (five goals, 20 assists) for the Avalanche (9-8-0), who have won three straight. Artturi Lehkonen had a goal and an assist, and Alexandar Georgiev made 12 saves.

Mikko Rantanen scored three goals for his ninth career hat trick, including a go-ahead goal midway through the third period, Artturi Lehkonen had a goal and an assist, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 in Denver on Wednesday night.