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Avalanche look to continue dominance of Panthers

Dec 21, 2008 - 8:17 AM Colorado (16-15-1) at Florida (14-13-4), 5:00 pm EST

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- The Colorado Avalanche always seem to enjoy their trip to the BankAtlantic Center.

The Avalanche will seek their 10th consecutive road win against the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

The Panthers have never defeated the Avalanche at their current rink and do not have a home win against the franchise since posting a 4-2 victory over the Quebec Nordiques at Miami Arena on April 22, 1995.

The following season, the team moved to Denver and Colorado defeated Florida in the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Avalanche, who have not lost to the Panthers in nearly five years, were the beneficiaries of a controversial call during Thursday's 2-1 shootout triumph over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Milan Hejduk scored the lone goal of the bonus format after his backhand attempt was initially saved, but the referees promptly conversed and awarded the goal after Lightning goaltender Mike Smith let go of his stick to block the puck.

"It was a heck of a hockey game," Colorado coach Tony Granato said. "For the refs to make that call, it's a gutsy call, but it's the right call. If the goalie throws his stick in an attempt to stop a penalty shot or shootout opportunity, it's an automatic goal."

Florida is hoping to avoid a third straight loss. The Panthers managed to pick up a point Thursday after Cory Stillman tied the game at 2:29 of the third period, but they suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.