Fredrik who? OT goal lifts Red Wings over Colorado

DENVER -- Fredrik Olausson scored his first playoff goal in 10 years at 12:44 of overtime as the Detroit Red Wings beat the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 Wednesday night to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Olausson beat Colorado goalie Patrick Roy from just inside the blue line on a shot that appeared to hit Colorado defenseman Martin Skoula in the leg.

Dominik Hasek, who made 20 saves, set up the goal by clearing a loose puck to Steve Yzerman at center ice. Yzerman hit Olausson, who scored his first playoff goal since April 18, 1992, for Winnipeg against Vancouver.

Hasek made consecutive saves early in the overtime, stopping Riku Hahl from the left circle with his blocker and Joe Sakic from the same spot less than a minute later.

Roy, who stopped 40 shots, made a tough kick save nine minutes into the overtime after Sergei Fedorov circled around to the slot, then stopped Kirk Maltby from close range after he slipped around Adam Foote.

It was the second straight overtime game in the series. Colorado won Game 2 on a goal by Chris Drury at 2:17 of overtime Monday night.

Game 4 is Saturday in Denver.

Elsewhere

MIGHTY DUCKS: Mike Babcock, who coached Anaheim's minor-league team at Cincinnati the past two seasons, was hired as the team's coach.

Babcock replaces Bryan Murray, who gave up the job in April to become the NHL team's senior vice president and general manager.

"I am thrilled to get this opportunity as head coach, and stay within the Mighty Ducks organization," the 39-year-old Babcock said. "This is a great opportunity for me to work with an experienced, quality man like Bryan Murray, and help turn this club into a winner."

Babcock guided the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks to a 74-59-20-7 record.

-- From wire reports