Denver, CO (My Sportsbook) - Cody McLeod pumped in the game-winner with 7:11 remaining in the third period, as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Dallas Stars, 3-2, at Pepsi Center.

Milan Hejduk registered a goal and an assist for the Avalanche, who have won two straight but still wrapped up a season-high eight-game homestand with a disappointing 3-5-0 mark. Marek Svatos also tallied and Peter Budaj turned away 22 shots to earn his 16th win of the season.

"We got the win," said McLeod. "We have to enjoy it while we can. We got a few road games now and we're still fighting for the playoffs."

Loui Eriksson and Steve Ott scored for Dallas, which had a five-game win streak halted. Matt Niskanen recorded two assists while Marty Turco surrendered three goals on 21 shots.

Colorado grabbed a 2-1 lead 42 seconds into the third period on Svatos' power- play goal, then Eriksson's team-leading 25th goal of the season evened things up at 8:02.

The gritty McLeod restored the lead for the Avs. Tyler Arnason held the puck in the left corner and dished to McLeod behind the enemy cage. McLeod came around the far post and tucked it home with 7:11 remaining.

"(McLeod) came around and (the puck) went off my foot and under my stick," Turco said. "It was a bad goal at a terrible time for us. I got to make those saves."

Dallas pulled Turco in the dying moments but failed to produce the equalizer.

Ott opened the scoring with 39.5 seconds remaining in the first period, then Hejduk netted his 20th goal of the season, tying the score at 1-1 at 13:11 of the middle frame.

Game Notes

With his goal, Hejduk moved into sole possession of fifth place on the franchise's all-time scoring list, passing Anton Stastny (636)...Hejduk has reached the 20-goal mark nine consecutive seasons.