EDMONTON, Alberta, March 22 (UPI) -- Ian Laperriere scored a pair of goals pacing surging Colorado to a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, that marked the Avalanche's ninth victory in 10 games.
The hot spell has pulled Colorado within four points of Calgary for the final playoff spot in the NHL's Western Conference. Edmonton, going the other way, hasn't won since a Feb. 23 game at Detroit and hasn't won at home since Feb. 11. The 12-game Oilers' losing streak is a franchise record that has ended the team's playoff hopes.
Laperriere gave the Avalanche the lead just 1:29 into Wednesday's game, poking the puck past Edmonton goalie Dwayne Roloson. Joe Sakic made it 2-0 about three minutes later off a pass from Andrew Brunette.
Tyler Arnason, who had three assists, used a no-look pass to set up Laperriere's second goal early in the second period. John-Michael-Liles and Brett Clark scored late in the period for a 5-0 Colorado lead.
Patrick Thoresen got the lone Edmonton goal on a power play with 5:33 to go to break Colorado goalie Peter Budaj's shutout bid.
