The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 on Monday night, with Devon Toews scoring the tiebreaking goal late in the third period. Martin Necas added an empty-netter and two assists as the Avalanche became the first NHL team to reach 40 wins this season. Nathan MacKinnon also scored his league-leading 41st goal, while Gabriel Landeskog contributed a goal and two assists.

Mackenzie Blackwood made 19 saves for Colorado, which has won five of its last seven games. The Kings, playing their first game since firing coach Jim Hiller on Sunday, were led by Brandt Clarke's power-play goal and Angus Booth's first NHL goal in his debut. Anton Forsberg stopped 35 shots in the loss.

Los Angeles was missing seven key players due to injury or illness, including Olympic medalists Drew Doughty, Joel Armia, and Darcy Kuemper. The absences forced the Kings to give NHL debuts to Booth, Kenny Connors, and Jared Wright. Despite the challenges, the Kings showed resilience by tying the game 2-2 in the second period before Colorado pulled away late.