Ian Laperriere scored his first goal in 36 games in the first period and Joe Sakic added an empty-net goal in the closing seconds to give Colorado its sixth win in nine games. The Avalanche put plenty of pressure on Detroit goalie Joey MacDonald, firing 31 shots at the rookie for just their fourth win in 17 games against Detroit.
Valtteri Pilppula scored the only goal for the Red Wings, who have followed a five-game winning streak with losses to Columbus and Colorado on consecutive nights.