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McLellan, Sharks look for another win against Avalanche

Nov 2, 2008 - 1:59 PM San Jose (9-2-0) at Colorado (5-5-0), 8:00 pm EDT

DENVER (Ticker) -- The transition from assistant to head coach has been rather easy for Todd McLellan.

Behind their first-year leader, the San Jose Sharks hope to extend their winning streak to four games when they visit the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.

San Jose has already enjoyed a four-game win streak this season. The Sharks cruised to a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in the regular-season opener and then swept a home-and-home series from the Los Angeles Kings before beating the Columbus Blue Jackets, 5-2, on October 14.

The Sharks' last two contests have proved to be a potent measuring stick and they walked away with four points. After dismantling the Pittsburgh Penguins, 2-1, on Tuesday, they beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings, 4-2, on Thursday.

San Jose hired McLellan - an assistant under Detroit's Mike Babcock the previous three seasons - in June to replace the fired Ron Wilson, who is now coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Colorado has dropped two straight, including a 4-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. Andrew Raycroft turned aside only 10 of the 14 shots he faced and fell victim to a three-goal second period before being replaced by Peter Budaj.

Budaj, named the NHL's No. 2 star for his play last week, is expected to return as the team's starter in this one. Notching his fourth victory of the season won't be easy, though, against a team ranked first with 18 points in the Western Conference.

One advantage the Avalanche will have in this one is home ice, since the Sharks are a perfect 6-0-0 at home and just 3-2-0 on the road.

Colorado used 20 goals in five straight wins prior to its modest losing skid, but posting any type of offense will be tough against San Jose. The Sharks have allowed just 25 goals this season - only the Minnesota Wild (22) and Montreal Canadiens (24) have surrendered less this season.