SUNRISE, Fla., Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Jamie McGinn gave Colorado a three-goal lead in the second period Friday and the Avalanche had to hold on to defeat Florida 3-2.
The Panthers fired 20 shots at Semyon Varlamov in the third period and two of them got past the Colorado goaltender to give Florida a chance.
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The second of those goals came from Scottie Upshall with 1:43 to play, but Varlamov closed the door and finished with 34 saves to get the win. The Avalanche are 6-1-1 in their last eight outings.
Ryan O'Reilly and Paul Stastny both scored for Colorado in the opening period, the goal by O'Reilly being his career-best 19th of the season.
Tim Thomas gave up three goals on 25 shots.
