AP - When Colorado needed him most, there was Joe Sakic, scoring, passing and playing with a zeal that gave his teammates a boost. Sakic had two goals and two assists and the Avalanche defeated Los Angeles 5-0 Monday night to avoid a first-ever season sweep by the Kings.

AP - Milan Hejduk scored the only goal in a shootout to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.

AP - The only distraction Canada's hockey team has had in the Olympics is boredom. Wade Redden, Joe Sakic and Simon Gagne gave the defending gold medalists a 3-0 lead halfway through the first period and, wearing distinctive black uniforms, the Canadians roughed up Germany 5-1 Thursday.

AP - The only distraction Canada's hockey team has had in the Olympics is boredom. Wade Redden, Joe Sakic and Simon Gagne gave the defending gold medalists a 3-0 lead halfway through the first period and, wearing distinctive black uniforms, the Canadians roughed up Germany 5-1 Thursday.

AP - David Aebischer is becoming more consistent, and Colorado is climbing in the Western Conference standings. That's certainly not a coincidence.