Artturi Lehkonen scored the decisive goal in a shootout and Cale Makar had a goal and assist in regulation as the visiting Colorado Avalanche rallied for a 3-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

Blue Jackets can't contain explosive Avalanche, playoff hopes teeter and Merzlikins has emotional exit: 5 takeaways

Nathan MacKinnon had an assist to extend his home point streak to 23 games, and Jonathan Drouin had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche (45-25-3), who have won 11 straight at home and are 12-1-1 in their past 14 games. Cale Makar had two assists.

Clinching the No. 3 seed in the Central Division and a spot in the Western Conference playoffs is well within reach for the Colorado Avalanche.

The NHL announced that Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has been named the first star after outstanding play during the week of March 24-30.

Our NHL betting picks tell you why you should stay up late if you like high-scoring hockey as the Los Angeles Kings battle the Colorado Avalanche tonight.

Makar, who turned 24 years old earlier this month, was a seventh-round pick by the Avalanche in the 2021 NHL draft ... Makar had 15 goals and 22 points in three years playing for UMass, where ...

The Colorado Avalanche find themselves in a unique position. They are almost certainly on a collision course with the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs, though seeding has yet to determine home ice.