The Colorado Avalanche went down in defeat tonight, 5-2, to the Phoenix Coyotes. The All-Star Break now awaits the team.

Ryan Stoa put the Avalanche on board first with a goal at 4:20 in the first period, his second of the season. However, the lead was short-lived, as Phoenix's Scottie Upshall had a power play goal two minutes later. Keith Yandle added another goal for Phoenix with six minutes left in the period.

After Eric Belanger's goal at 1:09 in the second period to give the Coyotes a 3-1 lead, it was a quiet period for both offenses. Matt Duchene added his 20th goal of the season at 15:44 in the third period, but the Coyotes added two goals that period (the second was a power play empty net goal for Belanger).

Peter Budaj started the game for the Avalanche but was pulled after he allowed the second goal of the first period. Craig Anderson finished the game and allowed two goals on 27 shots.

The Avalanche enter the All-Star Break with a 25-19-6 record (56 points). Matt Duchene, Kevin Shattenkirk and Paul Stastny will play in the game. They return to action on Feb. 1 with a road game against the St. Louis Blues.