Roy Puts a Stop to Stars’ Streak

There’s nothing like a good challenge to bring out the best in Patrick Roy.

Fired up by claims of supremacy from Dallas goalie Ed Belfour, Roy made 13 of his 24 saves in the third period to secure Colorado’s 2-0 victory in the opener of the Western Conference finals Saturday night.

Milan Hejduk scored on a power play midway through the second period and Aaron Miller added another goal later in the period as the Avalanche ended the Stars’ eight-game home winning streak in the playoffs.

Belfour, who said months ago he was as good as Roy or better, gave up as many goals in this game as he did in the previous 10 periods at Reunion Arena.

Ray Bourque, a sentimental and physical leader for Colorado, missed his third consecutive game because of an injured left knee. He might return for Game 2 Monday night.

The Avalanche improved to 21-4-1 since his arrival. They’ve won 10 of their last 12 on the road and have an unusual streak of four consecutive victories in series openers played on the road.

That streak includes a Game 1 victory over the Stars in last year’s conference finals. Dallas won the series in seven games and went on to win the Stanley Cup.

Around the NHL

Philadelphia center Keith Primeau, who suffered a concussion in Game 6 of the Pittsburgh series, practiced with the Flyers on Saturday, and there is a chance he will play today in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against New Jersey. Before Saturday, it appeared that the earliest Primeau would return would be for Game 2 on Tuesday.