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Wild blank Avalanche

Feb 3, 2012 - 5:22 AM Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Niklas Backstrom stopped all 37 shots he faced -- including 17 in the third period -- as Minnesota slipped by Colorado, 1-0, at Pepsi Center.

Greg Zanon's first-period goal was enough for the Wild, who have won three of four.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 20 saves for the Avalanche, losers of four straight.

Zanon's floater from the right point sailed through a screen and past Giguere at 6:04 of the opening period. The score was made possible thanks to Kyle Brodziak's right-circle faceoff win back to Dany Heatley, who made a one-touch pass back to the point.

Backstrom stopped 10 chances in the first period and 10 more in the second to preserve the slim margin.

Giguere kept it a one-goal difference late in the second period with a spectacular sweeping glove save on Brodziak, while a Minnesota player collided with him in the crease.

Colorado failed to convert on a power play with 1:20 remaining plus an extra attacker, as Backstrom made several key saves down the stretch.

Game Notes

Minnesota recorded just its second road win in its last 13, but both have come against Colorado...Zanon's tally was his first in 23 games dating back to October 15 against Detroit...Backstrom improved to 6-1-1 over his last eight starts in Denver...The Wild have taken three of four against the Avs this season.