SUNRISE, Fla. — The last time the Avalanche wandered into the Sunshine State, it picked up a shootout victory, then crossed the peninsula for a shutout.

The Avalanche wouldn't mind repeating recent history.

After surviving a shootout Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado finishes a four-game trip Sunday against the Florida Panthers. A win at BankAtlantic Center would give the Avalanche six out of a possible eight points.

"We played a desperate team (in Tampa Bay), so the effort (Thursday night) was outstanding," coach Tony Granato said. "For us to come up with two points (Thursday night), it makes us feel better about the way the trip has started."

Backup goalie Andrew Raycroft has recorded both victories, allowing two goals against Detroit and one goal against Tampa Bay. Despite his success, Granato said he will turn to Peter Budaj on Sunday.

"You have to operate on a day-to-day basis on making decisions and doing what's right," Granato said.

Budaj, who has allowed nine goals in his past two starts, has never faced Florida. Raycroft, who spent his first seven NHL seasons in the Eastern Conference, is 4-5-2 against the Panthers.