The Colorado Avalanche could be forced to navigate a challenging situation as they try to secure a contract extension for star forward Mikko Rantanen. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Avs' are hesitant to pay Rantanen more than Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.

MacKinnon opened the scoring at 6:31 of the first period with his 10th goal of the season. He blew past Pittsburgh defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to create a 2-on-1 and then beat Tristan Jarry for his third goal in four games after what constituted a slump for the reigning league MVP (no goals and seven points in the previous 10 contests).