Mikko Rantanen Scores Ninth Career Hat-Trick as Avalanche Defeat Kings 4-2

Mikko Rantanen had a stellar performance on Wednesday night, leading the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Rantanen scored a natural hat-trick, tallying the final three goals of the game, including the go-ahead goal in the third period and a late empty-netter.

Rantanen’s first goal of the night came in the second period, tying the game 2-2 against former Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper. After Kuemper left the game in the third period due to an injury, Rantanen capitalized on the opportunity to score against L.A. backup goalie David Rittich, making it 3-2 in favor of Colorado. His final goal was an empty-netter, securing the win and prompting the fans at Ball Arena to toss their hats onto the ice in celebration.

This hat-trick marks Rantanen’s second of the young season and his ninth career hat-trick, placing him fourth in Avalanche franchise history. The win also pushed the Avalanche’s record to 9-8-0, with the team having won four of their last five games.

Alexandar Georgiev, the Avalanche’s goalie, had a solid game, facing only 15 shots from the Kings and keeping them scoreless after the first period. Notably, Colorado held Los Angeles without a single shot on goal in the second period.

The Avalanche are set to receive additional reinforcements soon, with Valeri Nichushkin returning from suspension on Friday night, and Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood potentially rejoining the lineup as well.