MacKinnon has two goals and an assist as Avalanche beat Kraken 5-3

SEATTLE (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon scored twice for an NHL-best 28 goals this season and added an assist as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Seattle Kraken 5-3 on Tuesday night for their third straight win.

MacKinnon also extended his point streak to six games as Colorado won for the fifth time in that period. The Avalanche, with the league's best record, have earned a point in 24 of their last 25 games.

Artturi Lehkonen, Samuel Girard and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche. Mackenzie Blackwood made 34 saves.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon watches as he scores into an empty net against the Seattle Kraken during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Chandler Stephenson, Shane Wright and Jordan Eberle scored for the Kraken, who have lost eight of their last nine. Philipp Grubauer stopped 33 shots.

The reeling Kraken kept the league-leading Avalanche under pressure throughout the game and scored three goals in the second period to take a 3-2 lead heading into the third.

MacKinnon tied the game early in the third period with a one-timer from the right circle and sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute.

The Kraken had a chance to take the lead in the third period when they were given a penalty as Josh Manson was whistled for covering the puck with his glove in the crease with 12:11 left in the game. Eberle's shot hit the right post.

Less than a minute later, Nelson scored the go-ahead goal for the Avalanche.

Lehkonen saved a shot for the first goal midway through the first period.