Red Wings’ Hasek Stops Avalanche

They threw slap shots, backhanders and rebounds at Dominik Hasek, and even took a shot after the goalie lost his stick.

But nothing got through in the third period, and Hasek’s 13 saves in the frame helped preserve the Detroit Red Wings’ 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night at Denver.

The Red Wings raised their NHL-best point total to 82.

In the third period, Hasek made a save off a rebound shot by Joe Sakic, made a pad save on a backhander by Rob Blake and, after losing his stick, stopped Eric Messier from the slot.

“In the third period, they had some good shots,” Hasek said. “But we played well defensively. We played just the way we needed to.”

Boston 8, Columbus 0--Bill Guerin had three goals and an assist at Columbus, Ohio.

All the goals were even-strength, with the Bruins on the power play for only one second of the game.

Vancouver 4, Phoenix 2--Jan Hlavac and Trevor Linden each had a goal and an assist at Vancouver, Canada, as the Canucks extended their unbeaten streak to eight games.

Trevor Letowski and Markus Naslund also scored, and Peter Skudra made 22 saves for the Canucks, 13-3-1-1 since Christmas.

Vancouver moved into seventh place in the Western Conference, one point ahead of the Kings.

Florida 6, New York Islanders 6--Dick Tarnstrom scored the tying goal for the Islanders with 4:16 left in regulation at Sunrise, Fla.

Ottawa 4, Tampa Bay 4--Daniel Alfredsson scored two goals for the Senators at Tampa, Fla. The Senators are unbeaten in five games (2-0-3).

Goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck agreed to terms with New Jersey, ending a short retirement. Vanbiesbrouck, 38, probably won’t sign a contract with the Devils until after the break for the Olympics is over.... Tampa Bay left wing Fredrik Modin will be sidelined at least three weeks because of a right wrist injury.... Martin Gelinas will miss at least four more games for Carolina because of a concussion.