The Colorado Avalanche showed their resilience once again on Wednesday night, pulling off a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, with their star trio leading the way. Mikko Rantanen was the hero of the evening, netting a natural hat trick and adding an assist to help the Avs secure another win despite a slow start. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar also played pivotal roles in the win, continuing to solidify their places as some of the NHL’s elite players.

Rantanen’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The right-winger scored three times, including the game-winner at 10:01 of the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie with a slick move past a Kings defender. He later sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, bringing his season total to 12, which ties him for the league lead. Over the last five games, Rantanen has been in top form, scoring eight goals and showing the kind of sharpness that has become synonymous with his play.

“I always try to play the same way, not change too many things,” Rantanen said after the game. “Sometimes you just get in the right positions at the right time. … Then you have these stretches where the puck just seems to find its way in.”

MacKinnon, known for his playmaking ability, extended his NHL scoring lead to 33 points, surpassing Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov by five. His contribution was invaluable, providing the primary assist on Rantanen’s game-winning goal. The Avalanche captain continues to be the engine that drives the team’s offense, showing his versatility both in setting up plays and putting up points.

While the offense shone, the Avalanche’s defense was equally impressive. The Kings were held to just eight shots in the second period — the fewest allowed by the Avs this season. In fact, Los Angeles went the entire second period without registering a shot on goal, an impressive defensive feat by the Avalanche. The Kings’ best chance came from Kevin Fiala, who got behind the defense but hit the post in what could have been a game-changing moment.

In net, Alexandar Georgiev had a relatively quiet night, making just 13 saves. However, he was steady when called upon, helping his team in an unusual situation where the Avs’ defense limited the Kings to a minimal number of chances. “Just super smart hockey,” Georgiev said of his team’s play. “We played a lot in their end, and that helps too.”

Despite a few early hiccups, including two goals from Adrian Kempe in the first period, the Avalanche managed to regain control of the game. The first goal of the night came just 32 seconds in when Kempe beat Georgiev to the rebound after a weird-angle shot. However, the Avalanche quickly responded with Rantanen’s first goal of the night, tying things up.

This win was a glimpse of the Avalanche’s potential, especially as reinforcements are expected to return soon. With Valeri Nichushkin set to make his season debut, along with Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood nearing their returns, the team looks poised for even greater success in the coming games. Head coach Jared Bednar expressed excitement about the depth being added to the lineup, which should provide even more offensive firepower to complement the big three.

As the Avalanche continue their push for a strong season, their top players are delivering when it matters most. With Rantanen, MacKinnon, and Makar firing on all cylinders, the Avalanche are undoubtedly a team to watch as they chase down another postseason run.