Kings are routed by Avalanche

Cody McLeod scored twice, Chris Stewart added his first NHL goal and Colorado routed the Kings, 6-1, on Tuesday night, the Avalanche’s fourth straight win at home.

Marek Svatos, Milan Hejduk and Ryan Smyth also scored for Colorado, which matched a season high for goals.

Peter Budaj stopped 29 shots, beaten only by Oscar Moller’s power-play goal that sneaked under his right arm in the second period.

Jason LaBarbera, who shut out Columbus on Saturday, had a forgettable first period, giving up three goals in the opening 8 minutes, 16 seconds.

It didn’t get much better as the Avalanche jumped out to a 6-0 lead midway through the second period.

McLeod had his first two-goal game, scoring his second of the night on a backhanded shot in the second period. He glided into the corner after the goal and lifted his hands in the air, only to be greeted by an agitated Raitis Ivanans of the Kings.

The two exchanged shoves before both were sent off to the penalty box for roughing.

McLeod, known more for his grit than goal scoring, had a chance at a hat trick when he found himself on a breakaway early in the third period, but LaBarbera turned back his attempt.

Stewart’s first NHL goal came with the Avalanche down a skater.

Midway through the opening period, McLeod bashed the Kings’ Derek Armstrong into the boards, circled back in front and stuffed the puck into the net. Armstrong left the game with an upper body injury.