DENVER, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The Colorado Avalanche scored four goals in the first period and cruised to a 5-2 win over the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday.
Wojtek Wolski had two goals for Colorado and assisted on the first Avalanche goal, which came just 21 seconds into the game off the stick of Chris Stewart.
Milan Hejduk added a goal and two assists and John-Michael Liles also scored a goal.
"They started quick and we didn't," said Steve Mason, who gave up three goals on seven shots and was pulled from the Columbus goal after just 4:51. Mathieu Garon went the rest of the way and held Colorado to two goals on 24 shots.
R.J. Umberger and Jason Chimera scored for the Blue Jackets after Colorado had put together a comfortable 4-0 lead.
Hejduk added the fifth and final goal for the Avalanche at 16:32 of the third period.
