NUMBERS GAME

4 consecutive wins for Avalanche goalie Peter Budaj, matching the longest streak of his two-year NHL career.

EQUALING DEAR OLD DAD

Another game, another point for Paul Stastny.

"Another game, another win," he said after an assist on Brett Clark's third-period goal extended his points-scoring streak to 16 games, tying the franchise record for rookies set by his father, Peter Stastny, with the Quebec Nordiques in 1980-81.

The NHL record for a rookie is 17 games, set by Teemu Selanne with the Winnipeg Jets in 1992-93.

"It's not for me to worry about, it's for you guys to talk about," Paul Stastny said. "After the game, it's in the back of my head, if I get a point or not, but we had lots of chances to get some and we barely got one. I hit a couple posts. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be, but to get that win was big for us."

Stastny has eight goals and 15 assists during the streak.

DRURY WILL PLAY

As if meeting the Eastern Conference-leading Buffalo Sabres tonight wouldn't already be a difficult task for the Avalanche, Chris Drury will be in the lineup to face his former team.

The Sabres co-captain practiced Tuesday, centering a line with Michael Ryan and Dainius Zubrus, who was acquired from Washington at the NHL trading deadline.

Drury hasn't played since Feb. 22, when he suffered a concussion.

HE SAID IT

"He definitely plays beyond his years."

Joe Sakic, Avalanche captain, on Paul Stastny, who turned 21 in December.