Avalanche take on the Capitals following Rantanen's hat trick

Washington Capitals (10-4-1, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Colorado Avalanche (9-8, in the Central Division)

Denver; Friday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Avalanche host the Washington Capitals after Mikko Rantanen recorded a hat trick in the Avalanche's 4-2 win against the Los Angeles Kings.

Colorado has a 6-5-0 record at home and a 9-8 record overall. The Avalanche have a 4-1-0 record in one-goal games.

Washington is 10-4-1 overall and 3-2-0 in road games. The Capitals are 3-0-1 in games decided by a goal.

Friday's game is the first time these teams square off this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Nathan MacKinnon has seven goals and 26 assists for the Avalanche.

Alexander Ovechkin has scored 10 goals with nine assists for the Capitals.

LAST 10 GAMES: Avalanche: 6-4-0, averaging 3.5 goals, six assists, 2.8 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

Capitals: 6-3-1, averaging 4.2 goals, 7.5 assists, 3.7 penalties and 8.3 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.