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(Sports Network) - The Colorado Avalanche were the class of the Western Conference for a long time and aren't ready to simply let that slip away.

The Avalanche have busted out of a four-game losing streak with back-to-back wins. Both of the victories came on the road to start a three-game swing.

Colorado's latest triumph came Saturday evening in St. Paul as Joe Sakic's first career shootout goal lifted the team to a 2-1 victory over the Wild at Xcel Energy Center.

Sakic also tallied a goal in regulation and Peter Budaj stopped 28 shots and two of three shooters for the Avalanche, who won 3-0 at Columbus on Friday. Budaj was also the goaltender in the game against the Blue Jackets.

"A game like last night gives you a lot of confidence," Budaj said after Saturday's game. "I hadn't played in four games in a row. A shutout is always nice, but the important thing is we came out of the slump. We've got two wins in a row right now."

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BE-LEAF-ABLE

I knew they would be much better this season then people thought. They still have enough offencive weapons to score some goals, and enough impact players to make a difference.

No Forsberg, Tanguay Blake, or Foote? Not too much fo a problem. Obviously they are better with those players, but they have a lot of good young player coming up.

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"It's not the way it's going to be. We have to be very, very patient and build this the right way. We have to go through a process. It may be painful. I hope it isn't. But we're prepared for all the bumps and pratfalls and potholes in the road ahead. I'm prepared for it anyway, or I wouldn't have come." - Ron Wilson, Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.