NHL: Colorado 4, Washington 1

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Andrew Raycroft blanked Washington over the final two periods Friday and his 28 saves carried Colorado to a surprising 4-1 win over the Capitals.

Ryan Smyth had a goal and two assists, helping the Avalanche win their third straight game. Although they are in 14th place in the Western Conference with 57 points, the Avalanche find themselves only five points out of the final playoff position.

Washington had a three-game winning streak snapped.

It was a 1-1 game after the first period, but Raycroft was perfect the rest of the way and defenseman Adam Foote put Colorado in front with his first goal of the season 7:46 into the second.

Foote had missed the previous 17 games with a triceps injury.

Jose Theodore allowed all four goals on 25 shots to take the loss, his first regulation setback since Feb. 5.

Washington's Alex Ovechkin had his 10-game point streak come to an end. He had 11 goals and five assists in that span.