Canucks Record Rare Victory Over Avalanche

Brent Sopel and Harold Druken scored third-period goals as Vancouver defeated Colorado, 3-2, Monday night at Denver, the Canucks’ first win over the Avalanche in nine meetings. Todd Bertuzzi had his fourth goal in four games for the Canucks, 1-6-2 against Colorado since Dec. 15, 1998.

Buffalo 4, Montreal 1--Jay McKee sparked a three-goal, second-period outburst as the Sabres returned to playoff contention by beating the injury-riddled Canadiens at Buffalo.

St. Louis 2, Washington 1--Roman Turek, who leads the NHL with a 1.93 goals-against average, had to make only 19 saves as the Blues won at St. Louis. The Capitals had only two shots in the first period. The Blues lead the NHL with 101 points.

Around the League

The Minnesota Wild has met NHL guidelines for expansion clubs by securing 12,000 season tickets. “This validates the NHL’s return to Minnesota” said team President Tod Leiweke. Minnesota lost the North Stars to Dallas in 1993. . . . The New York Rangers recalled forward Jason Dawe from Hartford (AHL).