MacKinnon leads the NHL in points (77) and assists (58). Among NHL defensemen, Makar is first in goals (18), tied for first in points (56) and being for second in assists (38). Necas is seventh in the NHL in assists (41).

DENVER — Cale Makar deflects not only shots but any mention of milestones related to him. It’s just the nature of the Colorado Avalanche’s dynamic defenseman. He’s not a big spotlight person even if he constantly finds himself in the limelight.

It’s become a pattern now — the Colorado Avalanche look like the better team for the better part of the first 40 minutes and then the final period is a problem.

Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen scored the game-winning goal with 15 seconds left in the 5-4 victory over the New York Rangers on Sunday afternoon. The two points put Colorado ahead of Minnesota for the Central Division’s No.

BOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Blues enter the matchup with the Colorado Avalanche after losing three games in a row. Colorado is 29-21-2 overall and 7-8-1 against the Central Division. The Avalanche have conceded 164 goals while scoring 169 for a +5 scoring differential.

The Rangers fell to the Avalanche 5-4 with 15 seconds left in regulation, and the point that got away could be costly.

Cale Makar scored twice and set up the tiebreaking goal by Artturi Lehkonen with 15 seconds remaining as the revamped Colorado Avalanche blew a pair of two-goal leads before earning a dramatic 5-4 victory over the host New York Rangers on Sunday afternoon.

Cale Makar bags two goals in the first period to help the Avalanche take a 3-2 lead over the Rangers.

Will he re-sign in Carolina after this season -- and if not, where else? And what will other contenders do to keep pace ahead of the March 7 deadline?

Despite their climb back to the fringes of playoff contention, these Rangers remain fragile. That was certainly the case after another mistake – one that gives Panarin’s miscues against the Hurricanes a run for their money – resulted in the devastating defeat to Colorado.

The trades are coming in hot and Cup contenders are filling needs. What are the biggest needs for each contender?