NUMBERS GAME

45 years and 38 days makes Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios the third-oldest player to play in an NHL game. He passed Johnny Bower and trails Gordie Howe (52) and Moe Roberts (45 years, 11 months, 25 days).

NOT PENALIZED

Avalanche goalie Peter Budaj thwarted Tomas Holmstrom on a penalty shot with 9.1 seconds left in the first period after Holmstrom was hauled to the ice by defenseman Brett Clark.

Holmstrom made a move to his right and tried to beat Budaj with a backhanded shot, but Budaj held his position and deflected the puck away.

The Red Wings have been stopped on 10 consecutive penalty shots since Igor Larionov scored in 1995-96.

STILL STREAKING

Paul Stastny had two assists to extend his point-scoring streak to 15 games, one short of the Quebec/Colorado franchise record for rookies set by his father, Peter, with the Nordiques in 1980.

Paul's streak is the third-longest for a rookie in NHL history, tying Minnesota's Jude Drouin (1970-71). The record of 17 games was set by Teemu Selanne, right, while with Winnipeg in 1992-93.

Peter Stastny, a Hockey Hall of Famer, spends most of his time in Europe - at home in Bratislava, Slovakia, or in Brussels, Belgium, as a representative in the European Parliament.

"I talk to him here and there," said Paul, who has eight goals and 14 assists in his streak. "I think he's more happy about the team than he is about me."

HE SAID IT

"We stayed positive and it turned out pretty good."

Brad Richardson, Avalanche forward, whose overtime goal produced the 4-3 win.