DENVER (AP) — Brayden McNabb had a goal and two assists, Jonathan Quick stopped 21 shots and the Los Angeles Kings beat Colorado 5-2 on Tuesday night to end the Avalanche’s three-game win streak.

Marian Gaborik, Jeff Carter, Kyle Clifford and Jake Muzzin also scored as the reigning Stanley Cup champions crept closer to playoff contention with 16 games remaining.

Tyson Barrie and Alex Tanguay scored for the Avalanche, who dropped the first contest in a pivotal three-game homestand as their postseason aspirations dwindle.

Rookie goaltender Calvin Pickard filled in after Semyon Varlamov injured his groin over the weekend. Pickard’s night didn’t last long, with the Kings scoring three early goals and chasing him from the game at 14:15 of the first period. Reto Berra took over the rest of the way.