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Richardson, Avalanche snap road skid, beat Blackhawks

Mar 2, 2007 - 5:43 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Brad Richardson helped the Colorado Avalanche to a much-needed road win.

Richardson registered a goal and an assist as the Avalanche stopped a four-game road losing streak with a 6-1 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Richardson was among five players on the Avalanche that finished with multiple points. Colorado had 12 players with at least one point.

A second-year right wing, Richardson tied the game at 1-1 less than eight minutes into the first period. He was shoved by a Chicago defender but was able to get the puck through goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin as the two crashed into each other.

"I had a breakaway and got hooked a little from behind, then I crashed into Khabibulin and I didn't know the puck went in," Richardson said. "Our video coach called down to the bench and he though it went in. So when they reviewed it I am glad they counted it, I will take it."

Brett McLean tallied midway through the first period to give the Avalanche the lead for good.

Defensemen Ken Klee and Jeff Finger each added a goal and an assist for Colorado, which came into the contest trailing Minnesota by 11 points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

"I was nice to see production from some guys that don't normally score," Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said. "Jeff Finger, what a great shot from him."

Tyler Arnason and Mark Rycroft each had tallies and Finger's goal was the first of his career for Colorado, which began a five-game road trip.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," Finger said. "The last two weeks for me have been a dream come true, this may sound cliche but it's what we play for. I am very excited to get that first out of the way."

Peter Budaj stopped 23 shots for his 20th win of the season, reaching that plateau for the first time in his young career.

"I have to thank the staff for giving me enough chances to do that, I guess it is a little milestone for the season," he said. "Right now we just have to keep winning if we are going to try and make the playoffs."

Tuomo Ruutu scored 71 seconds into the game and Khabibulin made 26 saves for the Blackhawks, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

"We got some bad breaks tonight, and it's a shame because I thought we played hard," Blackhawks coach Denis Savard said.