DENVER — Nathan MacKinnon finished his first career playoff hat trick with an empty-net goal to help the Colorado Avalanche pull away late for a 6-3 win over St. Louis in Game 2 on Wednesday night after the Blues avoided a pregame virus scare that nearly sidelined several players.
Joonas Donskoi scored twice and Brandon Saad added an empty-netter as the Avalanche took a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.
Since moving to Denver, Colorado is 13-1 all-time in best-of-seven postseason series when capturing the first two games.
Sammy Blais, Brayden Schenn and Mike Hoffman had goals for St. Louis.
> Above video: 'Playoff MacKinnon' emerges as Avalanche chase Stanley Cup.
RELATED: Blues players cleared for tonight's game after NHL identifies error in recent COVID-19 tests
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