WATCH: Mikko Rantanen opens the scoring in 14 seconds in win over Vegas Golden Knights

Mikko Rantanen and the Colorado Avalanche won 3-0 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Rantanen opened the scoring just 14 seconds after the puck dropped.

The puck hit the back wall and made its way to Vegas goalie Adin Hill, who was looking to pass it to the left wing from behind the net. Mikko Rantanen stole the puck and slashed a shot into an empty net with 19:46 on the clock, scoring his 39th goal of the season.

It was the fastest Colorado goal this year and is tied for the seventh-fastest goal in franchise history. Aves fans were super pumped and looked very happy with the early lead Rantanen had just provided the team.

Rantanen scored his second goal of the night in the 16th minute of the second period when he squared a one-time pass from J.T. Compher into the top right corner of the goal for his first career 40-goal season.

Nate Mackinnon scored in an empty net in the dying minutes of the third period when Adin Hill made way for an extra skater for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Aves goalie Alexandar Georgiev had 31 saves for his third shutout of the season and 11th of his career.

The Aves played their fourth straight game without reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar after the 24-year-old collided with the Blues' Alexei Toropchenko during the third period on Feb. 19.

Makar has generated 13 goals, 45 points, 142 shots on goal, 61 blocks and 59 hits in 46 appearances this season for the Avalanche. He has not yet been cleared for contact practice but the Aves would want their scoring defenseman back very soon.

Both teams had players in the lineup who were acquired over the weekend. Forward Ivan Barbashev came to Vegas in a deal with St. Louis and was on the first-line with Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault. Returning Avalanche defenseman Jack Johnson was in the third pairing after coming over from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Mikko Rantanen post-game interview

Mikko Rantanen became the fastest player in franchise history to hit the 40-goal mark after tonight's game.

When asked about his record-scoring game and becoming the fastest in Aves history to reach the 40-goal mark, Rantanen said he owed it to his linemates and surprisingly, a little bit of luck with the puck for his 40 goals this season.

"Puck luck and god linemates, you know? I suppose that's what it is."

The Colorado Avalanche have now won six games in a row and Rantanen reflected on the team's recent form and said:

"We're playing good as a team now and I'm glad to help the team in scoring. Glad to play with these guys."

Mikko Rantanen has 71 points from 40 goals and 31 assists in 58 games for the Avalanche this season. The Aves are currently in second place in the Central Division behind the Dallas Stars, who have a two-point lead.

The Aves are the reigning Stanley Cup champions and look determined to repeat their performances from last year.