For most of the past two seasons, Peter Budaj toiled in the American Hockey League and seemed destined to finish his career in the minors, or perhaps in Europe. That came after a six-season stay with Colorado, mostly as a backup, and then three seasons as Carey Price's relief at Montreal.
Budaj's back.
The 34-year-old Slovak had 24 saves in his former home building, the Pepsi Center, Tuesday as the Kings beat the Avalanche 2-1.
Mikko Rantanen had the Colorado goal at 32 seconds of the second period, stealing the puck from standout Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty at the blue line, skating in and beating Budaj to put the Avalanche up 1-0.