NHL: Vancouver 3, Colorado 2

DENVER, March 24 (UPI) -- Mason Raymond put Vancouver ahead to stay with a second-period goal Sunday and the Canucks beat Colorado 3--2 for their fourth straight win.

Raymond's tally 3:13 into the middle frame broke a 1-1 deadlock and Alexandre Burrows scored at the end of the period to double Vancouver's advantage.

Jason Garrison scored and Cory Schneider stopped 26-of-28 shot for the Canucks, who took over first place in the Northwest Division.

P.A. Parenteau registered a goal and an assist for the last-place Avalanche, who tumbled to their sixth loss in seven games.

Jamie McGinn scored Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 27 saves for Colorado.