NUMBERS GAME

4-8 record for the Avalanche when it registers 40 shots or more.

Three wins came in the past four games in that situation.

ABLE TO BEAT THE HEAT

If second-year goalie Peter Budaj is feeling any pressure trying to help the Avalanche gain a playoff berth, he isn't showing it on the ice or in the locker room.

"He's a great kid, very professional," coach Joel Quenneville said of Budaj, 24. "For a young kid, he's mature - he's at a different level, a different stage than most players (that age) and most goalies. He's handled it well.

"Last year down the stretch, he was the guy that got us into the playoffs, and now we've got a huge challenge ahead of us and he keeps giving us a chance. I think the guys appreciate that - Peter's big and challenging and doing what he has to do.

"He's not affected one way by what's at stake, which is a nice sign."

CELEBRATING WITH SILVER

The Avalanche presented captain Joe Sakic with a silver stick in a pregame ceremony to commemorate his 600th NHL goal. Sakic scored it in a Feb. 15 game at Calgary. The stick was presented by Curtis Leschyshyn, who played with Sakic in Quebec and Colorado, and is an analyst on Avalanche radio broadcasts.

Sakic's first-period goal Wednesday was the 602nd of his career, moving him past Jari Kurri into sole possession of 16th place on the all-time list. Dino Ciccarelli is 15th with 608 goals.

HE SAID IT

"If we lose this one, it's almost impossible."

Sakic, on how a loss to the Flames would have damaged the Avalanche's playoff chances