Mikko Rantanen shone with two goals and two assists, extending his remarkable point streak to a career-high 10 games, guiding the Colorado Avalanche to a commanding 6-2 triumph over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.
Valeri Nichushkin contributed with a goal and two assists, while Nathan MacKinnon and Josh Manson also found the net, alongside Casey Mittelstadt, who notched his first goal for Colorado since joining the team at the trade deadline.
MacKinnon, extending his point streak to an impressive 13 games, notched an additional assist, further solidifying his lead in the NHL with 113 points, surpassing his previous career best from last season.
“It’s just part of who he is,” remarked Avs coach Jared Bednar. “His determination to excel, continuously refining his game in various aspects, whether it’s a slight improvement here or there, he’s always striving for progress.”
The franchise record of 139 points, set by Peter Stastny in 1981-82 during the team’s Quebec days, remains within reach for MacKinnon, who is on pace to reach 138.
“If he maintains this level of play, and I believe he will, then I think he stands a good chance,” said Rantanen when asked about his linemate’s potential to break the record.
Colorado now sits level with the idle Winnipeg Jets for second place in the fiercely contested Central Division, trailing the Dallas Stars by two points. The Jets hold two games in hand over Colorado and three over the Stars.
Despite goals from Daniil Miromanov and Walker Duehr, Calgary struggled, suffering their third consecutive defeat by a combined score of 18-5.
After heavy defeats to Florida and Carolina over the weekend, Flames captain Mikael Backlund acknowledged the team’s need for reflection, stating, “We’ve had three valuable lessons here. Everyone in this room needs to take a look at themselves and step up.”
Colorado rookie goaltender Justus Annunen, coming off consecutive shutouts, stood firm with 25 saves, improving his record to 4-2-1.
Meanwhile, Dan Vladar conceded six goals on 35 shots for Calgary, getting replaced by rookie Dustin Wolf after allowing five goals in the second period.
The Avalanche seized control in the second period, scoring three goals in three minutes, including markers from Manson and MacKinnon, to secure the lead. Nichushkin’s goal, assisted by Rantanen, sealed the 4-2 advantage.
Late in the second period, Mittelstadt and Rantanen added to the tally, capping off an impressive offensive display for Colorado.
Reflecting on his experience playing alongside MacKinnon and Rantanen, Mittelstadt expressed his delight, stating, “When you’re up against (MacKinnon) or even just watching him, it can be frustrating trying to figure out how he does it. Mikko is one of the most underrated players in the league. The chemistry between him and Nate is unbelievable. I’m thrilled to be on their team.”
