MacKinnon's Hat Trick Propels Avalanche to Central Division Title Despite Injuries

Nathan MacKinnon scored three goals and had an assist as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 to win the Central Division title.
MacKinnon's third goal was his 42nd of the season, setting a career high, and his hat trick was his first of the season and fourth of his career.
The reigning Stanley Cup-winning Avalanche will begin their championship defense against Seattle in the first round of the playoffs without captain Gabriel Landeskog.
MacKinnon set a career high in goals (42) and points (111) despite missing 11 games, leading the league in even-strength points with 77.
Mikko Rantanen set an Avalanche record with 55 goals and finished with 105 points, a career high, becoming the first Finnish player since Teemu Selanne to pass 50 goals and 100 points.