NHL

Carter leads surging LA Kings' 5-0 rout of woeful Avalanche

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Colorado Avalanche right wing Rene Bourque, left, and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brayden McNabb collide during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Los Angeles Kings center Jeff Carter, left, scores on Colorado Avalanche goalie Spencer Martin during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Colorado Avalanche left wing Blake Comeau, right, trips over Los Angeles Kings goalie Peter Budaj, left, of Slovakia, as Kings defenseman Brayden McNabb watches during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Los Angeles. The puck crossed the line on the play, but was called back for goalie interference. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Jeff Carter scored two goals and Peter Budaj earned his sixth shutout of the season in the Los Angeles Kings' fourth consecutive victory, 5-0 over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night.

Marian Gaborik also scored during Los Angeles' three-goal first period, and Dustin Brown and Dwight King added third-period goals in the Kings' first win over the Avalanche in four tries.

Budaj made 22 saves in the longtime Avalanche goalie's 17th career shutout for Los Angeles, which has ramped up its playoff push with back-to-back victories after hosting the All-Star Game.

Spencer Martin stopped 35 shots in the 21-year-old prospect's third NHL appearance for the league-worst Avalanche, who have lost nine straight and 19 of 21.