The Colorado Avalanche has climbed to the top of the NHL standings with help from a deep lineup, strong goaltending and consistent effort without the puck.

Having two of the best players in the world and star power supporting them certainly helps, too. The stars showed out Thursday night.

Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and an assist, Cale Makar had two goals and an assist, and Martin Necas chipped in with three helpers in a 6-3 win against the New York Rangers at Ball Arena. The Avs are now a league-best 14-1-5, and are just the fourth team in league history to reach 20 games played with only one regulation loss.

“They are the elite of the elite, so of course we’re happy to have them,” Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said of his club’s superstars. “We also happen to have one of the best goal

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