Denver, CO (My Sportsbook) - Wojtek Wolski poked in the game-winner with 6:59 remaining in the third period and Andrew Raycroft was spectacular between the pipes, as the
Colorado Avalanche edged the Chicago Blackhawks, 2-1, at the Pepsi Center.
Ryan Smyth registered a goal and an assist for the Avalanche, who have won two straight on the heels of a three-game losing streak. Raycroft made 43 saves to match his career-long winning streak of six games and improve to 8-1-0 this season.
"It's fun to get out there and play," said Raycroft. "It's time to get rewarded for doing some nice things. We have practiced real hard and it has paid off."
Brian Campbell had a power-play goal for the Blackhawks, who suffered their first setback to a team other than Detroit since a 5-2 loss at Los Angeles on November 29. Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 30 shots for Chicago, which had gone 12-2-1 in its previous 15 games.
"These are games we have to find a way to win," Campbell said.
On the game winner as Colorado skated on the power play, Raycroft fired a long, outlet pass along the left boards to Smyth at the Chicago blue line. Smyth then proceeded to take the puck hard to the net and his bid was stopped by Khabibulin.
Milan Hejduk took the first whack but Wolski followed up the play and stuffed the rebound amid a goalmouth scramble, and Colorado withstood a late flurry by the Blackhawks to escape with the victory.
Colorado grabbed a 1-0 lead at 5:10 of the first period on a tally that initially was waved off for a distinct kicking motion.
Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith tried to clear the puck from the slot, but the bouncing disc caromed off the left leg and right skate of Smyth, who was driving hard to the net. The call was overturned following a video review.
Chicago drew even on the power play. Patrick Kane, who was sidelined the previous two games with a high right ankle sprain, sent a feed to Campbell and his blast from the top of the right circle beat a screened Raycroft on the stick side 5:16 into the middle stanza.
Game Notes
Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere missed his second straight contest because of a back injury...Wolski added an assist...Colorado finished 1-for-3 on the power play, while Chicago connected on its lone opportunity with the man advantage.
