Long Drought Finally Ends for Smolinski

Bryan Smolinski’s second-period goal in Wednesday’s 4-2 victory over the Mighty Ducks was the first one he scored that was not into an empty net in 43 regular-season games, a drought that dated to Jan. 5.

“I thought he was very good,” Coach Andy Murray said. “It’s not good enough for Bryan to be an average player. He has to extend himself every night.”

Said Smolinski: “Well, I did have a couple goals in the playoffs, so it wasn’t completely frustrating. But it’s nice to have the monkey off my back.”

Smolinski sat out the last two periods Thursday night after suffering a charley horse in a first-period collision with Brad Larsen of Colorado.

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After backup Jamie Storr stopped 31 shots against the Ducks, Felix Potvin was back in goal against the Avalanche.

“There is no goalie controversy,” Murray said. “We have a clearly defined ranking system, and Felix is No. 1. We have the best 1-a goalie in the league in Jamie; we’re very fortunate to have him. And we have more back-to-back games [14 sets] this season, so that makes him even more valuable.”

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Jaroslav Bednar again filled in for Ziggy Palffy on the top line, but Murray said Palffy, who has a strained groin, would “definitely” play Saturday night against Vancouver.