Coyotes 2 - 0 Avalanche
Final
  for this game

LaBarbera, Coyotes blank Avs in Denver

Jan 7, 2011 - 5:10 AM Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Jason LaBarbera stopped all 34 shots he faced for his sixth career shutout and led the Phoenix Coyotes to a 2-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center.

Taylor Pyatt scored both goals for the Coyotes, who have won two straight after a two-game skid.

"We did a good job of not turning pucks over in our zone," said LaBarbera. "That sure makes my job a lot easier -- it feels good when I can help the guys get the win."

Craig Anderson was strong with 31 saves in the losing effort. The Avalanche fell to 2-5-1 in their last eight games overall.

The Coyotes hit the net midway through the first period. A shot from the point by Lee Stempniak was stopped, but Anderson allowed a long rebound. From the top of the crease, Pyatt was able to free himself from a defender, collected the loose puck and lit the lamp with a backhander from near the right post at the 9:35 mark.

"I just tried to set up a screen, and when I got the puck, I was able to lift it up."

Colorado had several quality scoring chances in the second period, including a breakaway that LaBarbera stopped as well as a blazing slap shot from the lower left circle by Matt Duchene.

In the third, Avs forward Daniel Winnik had good look from the lower left circle, but LaBarbera scooped the attempt with his glove.

"We played a good game and we had close chances, but we just couldn't bury one," said Anderson.

Anderson was pulled for the extra attacker inside the final minute of regulation. Colorado gained three faceoffs in its offensive zone after attempts at the empty net went wide for three separate icing calls, but to no avail.

Pyatt's empty-netter sealed the victory with 20 seconds to go.

"It was a good defensive game and a good road win for us," Pyatt added.

Game Notes

Phoenix improved to 16-2-5 when scoring the first goal of the game this season and is also now 10-0-3 when the club leads after the first period...It was the second shutout of the season for LaBarbera...This was the second time this season that the Avs were shut out, both occurring at home.






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