NHL: Phoenix 3, Colorado 2

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GLENDALE, Ariz., March 23 (UPI) -- Raffi Torres gave Phoenix a 3-0 lead late in the second period Thursday and the Coyotes held on to defeat Colorado 3-2.

Phoenix moved into the lead in the Pacific Division, one point in front of Dallas. The Stars suffered a 2-1 loss to Vancouver earlier in the evening.

Daymond Langkow and Kyle Chipchura scored for the Coyotes in the first period and Torres gave Phoenix a seemingly comfortable advantage with 3:05 to go in the second.

After shutting out the Avalanche through the first two periods, Mike Smith was touched for scores by Ryan O'Reilly and Paul Stastny in the final stanza.

Smith held on, however, to pick up the 100th win of his NHL career. He finished with 39 saves.

The three Phoenix goals were scored against Semyon Varlamov on 25 shots.