Ducks Win Fifth Straight Road Game

[February 13, 2008]  DENVER (AP) -- Samuel Pahlsson rammed in a rebound with 4:21 remaining in the third period, Teemu Selanne added his first goal of the season and the Anaheim Ducks won their fifth straight by beating the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 on Tuesday night.

The Ducks also broke a string of six straight regular-season losses at the Pepsi Center, spanning more than five years.

It was Pahlsson's second game back from an abdominal injury that sidelined him for 21 games, and first goal since Dec. 10.

Anaheim concluded its franchise-record nine straight road games on a winning note. The Ducks went 5-3-1 on the road swing, which was briefly interrupted by the All-Star game.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere stopped 32 shots and Ryan Getzlaf had an assist, the 100th of his career.

Anaheim has won all five games since Selanne made his debut on Feb. 5 against the New York Islanders.

Jose Theodore turned back 27 shots, but had his season-best three-game winning streak snapped.

The Ducks capitalized on a two-man advantage to begin the second period when Selanne scored on a wrist shot from down low.

Selanne's power-play goal 1:09 into the second tied him with Paul Kariya as the team's career leader in points with 669. It was also the 541st goal of his career, drawing him even with Stan Mikita for 26th place on the league's all-time goals list.

Marek Svatos scored his 25th goal of the season just 1:37 in when he backhanded a shot over Giguere's right shoulder. Svatos has three goals in his last two games.

Colorado coach Joel Quenneville said Ryan Smyth could suit up again as soon as Thursday night against St. Louis. Smyth has missed 18 games with a fractured ankle.

However, Quenneville wasn't sure when Paul Stastny would be back. The second-year forward has been out 11 games after having his appendix removed Jan. 17. Stastny is skating again, but has experienced groin problems, delaying his return.

Notes: Avalanche F Cody McCormick was out with a bruised chest and F Scott Parker missed the game due to the flu. ... Avs F Ian Laperriere is hoping Peter Forsberg selects Colorado if he decides to return to the NHL. Forsberg, who won two Stanley Cup titles with Colorado, hasn't played this season due to foot and ankle injuries. "We all know that whoever is going to get him, they're going to be a better team overnight," Laperriere said. "The fans sure appreciate him here. You look around and still see his No. 21 jersey everywhere." ... Ducks F Doug Weight missed a second straight game with a left shoulder injury. He's expected to be out at least a week.

[Associated Press; By PAT GRAHAM]

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