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Budaj likely back in net when Avalanche visit Stars

Oct 18, 2008 - 10:06 AM Colorado (1-3-0) at Dallas (1-2-1) 2:00 p.m. EDT

DALLAS (Ticker) -- Andrew Raycroft helped the Colorado Avalanche earn their first win of the season. However, his success likely won't earn him consecutive starts.

The Avalanche go for back-to-back victories Saturday, when they visit the Dallas Stars in an afternoon contest.

Raycroft made 16 saves as Colorado posted a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, ending a campaign-opening three-game slide. The 28-year-old goaltender surrendered the two tallies during a 5-on-3 power play as well as a penalty-shot goal by Simon Gagne.

Signed as a free agent over the summer, Raycroft made his first start of the season in place of Peter Budaj, who surrendered 13 goals over his first three games. But coach Tony Granato claimed Budaj was not being benched for his poor play, as he wants to get Raycroft one start per week in order to stay fresh.

Like Budaj, Dallas netminder Marty Turco also has endured a rough start to 2008-09. He fell to 1-2-1 on Thursday, suffering an ugly 6-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

Turco allowed five goals on 18 shots before being pulled at the start of the third period in favor of Tobias Stephan.

Turco has given up 17 goals in four starts, notching his only win in the Stars' season-opening 6-4 victory over the Nashville Predators.

Mike Modano and defenseman Stephane Robidas lead Dallas with four points apiece, while captain Joe Sakic and Paul Stastny each have a goal and five assists for Colorado.