[NHL] Rantanen’s Hat Trick Powers Colorado Over LA
(Denver = Wongeol Jeong) Colorado hosted Los Angeles at home for an NHL regular-season game.
On the 13th, at Colorado’s Ball Arena, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings, thanks to Mikko Rantanen’s hat trick.
The first goal of the game was scored by LA.
LA defenseman Kempe tapped a puck that was sliding towards the Colorado goal, and it deflected into the net.
Following LA’s goal, Colorado’s Lehkonen scored, tying the game 1-1. Rantanen’s shot had been blocked by the opposing goaltender, and Lehkonen was there to tap the rebound into the net.
In the early stages, LA dominated the game with physical play, overwhelming Colorado.
Colorado’s goaltender, Georgiev, made impressive saves with quick reflexes to stop LA’s attacks in the first period.
With about 4 minutes remaining in the first period, LA scored again. Kopitar sent a pass across Colorado’s goal crease, and Kempe, who had circled around behind the goaltender, easily tapped it in.
Midway through the second period, the game became more heated, with players from both teams pushing each other and falling on the ice. This indicated that neither team was able to control the game the way they wanted.
In the middle of the second period, Makar attempted a solo dribble and shot, but it was deflected off the goaltender’s left pad and failed to result in a goal.
MacKinnon also attempted a shot in the second period, but it was unsuccessful, and a prolonged quiet period followed.
The deadlock was broken by Rantanen. Receiving a pass from Makar, Rantanen fired a shot from the center of the ice, sending the puck past the goaltender’s right shoulder to tie the game 2-2.
The game remained tied 2-2 until the middle of the third period. The stalemate was broken by Rantanen.
In a chaotic moment, Rantanen pounced on a loose puck in front of the net and shot it through the goaltender’s legs, scoring his second goal of the game.
With about 2 minutes left, LA pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker but was unable to score, giving Rantanen a chance for another goal.
Rantanen scored into the empty net, securing a 4-2 victory for his team and completing his hat trick with a third goal.
Colorado will host Washington on the 15th for their next game.
