Kings can’t keep up with league-leading Avalanche

Kings center Anze Kopitar, left, pursues the puck with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard during the second period on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, right, avoids the puck as it flies between him and defenseman Sam Malinski, center, as Kings left wing Andrei Kuzmenko looks on in the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Kings...