Make it four straight wins for the suddenly surging Colorado Avalanche, who defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 on Monday night at the Pepsi Center. The Avs and Ducks headed into the third period tied at 1-1 after Anaheim's Bobby Ryan knotted the score with a powerplay goal late in the second period, but Colorado's offense awoke in the third to secure the victory.
Ryan O'Reily would kick-start the scoring for Colorado in the third when he scored his 16th goal of the season just :37 seconds into the period. Teammates Gabriel Landeskog, Steve Downie were credited with the assists. Matt Duchene made it 3-1 Colorado just two minutes later when he beat Ducks goalie Jones Hiller for his 13th goal of the year off passes from Paul Stastny, Milan Hejduk.
Jay McClement would add the final goal for Colorado, his ninth of the season, with five minutes remaining in the contest.
The win brings the Avalanche to 70 points at 33-27-4 overall, while the Ducks drop to 27-26-10.
For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Ducks blog Anaheim Calling.