The Colorado Avalanche appear to have found an extra spark offensively tonight against the Dallas Stars, but it still hasn't been enough to put them on the scoreboard. Despite out-shooting the visiting Stars 27-20 through two periods, Dallas goalie Andrew Raycroft has been strong in net to preserve a shutout. Through two periods, Eric Nystrom's early score has been the only goal of the night as Dallas leads the Avs 1-0.
Two more players joined the developing penalty party in period No. 2. Dallas' Michael Ryder drew two minuets for holding on the Avs' Jan Hejda, while Colorado's Ryan Wilson was whistled for cross-checking on Radek Dvorak.
The Avs have already racked up 21 penalty minutes thus far. The 1-0 score is a testament to how strong the penalty kill unit has been for Colorado this evening. The Avalanche are also leading in hits (14-10) and faceoffs (23-18).
For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Stars blog Defending Big D.