In a season of peaks and valleys to this point, a raucous third-period rally earlier this week might have sparked another surge for the Colorado Avalanche.
The Avs used a dominant first period and some strong goaltending in the middle frame Wednesday night to dispatch the Buffalo Sabres, 5-1, in Erik Johnson’s return to Ball Arena.
Mikko Rantanen had a goal and two assists for the second consecutive game. Valeri Nichushkin had maybe his best game of the season with two goals. Sam Malinski continued to make a strong impression in his rookie season with his first goal and an assist.