Rantanen has been an essential member of the Avalanche's core since arriving in 2015-16, having won the Stanley Cup in 2021-22. Widely regarded as one of the NHL's premier offensive talents, he stands among the league's top five scorers over the last five seasons.

Perhaps Sunday marked the start of the Avalanche getting their mojo back after a roller-coaster January underscored by a 7-6-2 record, and the blockbuster trade of Mikko Rantanen to Carolina. The Avs weathered a grinding opening period to pull away for a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at Ball Arena.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon continues to bolster his MVP case. Late in the second period of Colorado's home game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday, MacKinnon became the first player to reach 80 points this season when he netted his 20th goal on a power play.