Kaapo Kakko and Chris Kreider scored for the Rangers (49-20-4), who have won four straight and six of their past seven games. The Rangers lead the NHL with 49 wins and 102 points, one spot ahead of the Dallas Stars.
“I think it was tight because we were focused on playing tight defense. They were pretty tight, too,” New York coach Peter Laviolette said. “We came here and with their team speed and skill and game-breakers, we knew we had to play the game hard the right way, and we did it. I thought so.”
Casey Mittelstadt scored and Alexander Georgiev made 23 saves for the Avalanche (46-21-6), who have lost their second straight after winning nine straight.
Colorado is in second place in the Central Division, three points behind the Stars.
Nathan MacKinnon’s point streak ended at 19 games, and his home point streak from the start of the season ended at 35 games. He scored 77 points (29 goals, 48 assists) during the home streak, the second-longest streak in NHL history. Wayne Gretzky holds the record with 40 games played (Los Angeles Kings, 1988-89).
“I think that’s a positive thing. The players are excited for him, and when other players hit milestones and have big nights, our team gets excited too,” the Colorado coach said. Jared Bednar said. “I think it was a really positive thing, especially the last part, because this group is so close-knit. I don’t think anyone would think about that when he was 15, 16, 17, 20 years old. I think once he starts passing third and second on the list, people will really start rooting for him.”
