Avalanche boost fading playoff hopes

[PJKCards]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Milan Hejduk and the Colorado Avalanche took the ice knowing they were in a must-win situation.

Hejduk had a goal and an assist to help the Avalanche give their fading playoff hopes a boost with a 4-3 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Thursday night.

"We knew before the game that Calgary was up a couple of goals and definitely we had to win," Hejduk said.

Brett McLean, Wojtek Wolski and Brad Richardson also scored for the Avalanche, which won for the 11th time in 14 games to remain seven points behind Calgary for the Western Conference's final playoff spot. The Flames beat Minnesota 4-2 to maintain their lead.

"Basically we have to win all our games," Hejduk said. "We have five games left and we have to win everything."

More at: NHL - Colorado Avalanche/Phoenix Coyotes Recap Thursday March 29, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports