Blues fall in overtime for sixth straight loss

ST. LOUIS -- Joe Sakic and the Colorado Avalanche are closing in on first-place Calgary in the Northwest Division.

Sakic scored a power-play goal 57 seconds into overtime to give the Avalanche a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night and move them within a point of the Flames.

"It's fun being in this race," Sakic said. "It's fun knowing that every game means so much."

With Christian Backman in the penalty box, Sakic one-timed Rob Blake's pass past Patrick Lalime for his 28th goal of the season. Sakic has six goals and five assists in his last six games.

Colorado improved to 6-7 in overtime.

"We were patient out there. I just kind of moved it around," Sakic said. "I gave it to Blakey, actually I thought he was going to shoot. I think so did they. It was in the right spot."

The Blues have lost six straight games. It was the Blues' eighth overtime game in their last 10 at home.

The Blues grabbed a 1-0 lead with just 1:28 remaining in the first period. Scott Young one-timed a Dean McAmmond pass from the left point to beat Peter Budaj. Young's 17th goal came on the power-play.

"We know we're out of the playoffs, but we have to show up every night," Young said. "We came out and played a strong game tonight."

Peter Cajanek made it 2-0 with his ninth goal of the season at 5:05 of the second on the power-play.

But Colorado answered with two goals in the second period.

Lalime made 28 saves. His last win was March 13 against Columbus. Budaj stopped 26 of 28 shots.

"We knew they had a good power play," Lalime said. "That's what won the game for them."