Two weeks ago, the Colorado Avalanche seemed to be slipping out of the Western Conference playoff race. With 22 games remaining, they were nine points behind the Minnesota Wild for the eighth and final postseason berth.

It was easy giving up the Avalanche for dead. They were in the midst of a 1-4-1 skid and Minnesota was playing well and winning. Since posting one win in six games, the Avs have reeled off five straight victories. Two of them came on the road against the playoff-bound Red Wings and Sabres in the last four days. Rookie Wojtek Wolski scored the game-winner against Buffalo Wednesday night, netting a third-period goal for his 20th of the season and a 3-2 win. The Avs moved to within six points of the Wild.

Another Colorado rookie, Paul Stastny, set up two goals to extend his point streak to 17 consecutive games. Stastny, who is 21 and six weeks older than Wolski, matched the NHL rookie record set in 1993 by Winnipeg's Teemu Selanne. Stastny also broke the franchise record set by his father, Peter, in 1980. His 17-game run is the NHL's longest of the season.

Colorado’s defensive play has been better, as well. In their last three games -- all road wins -- the Avalanche have allowed just five goals and limited opponents to an average of 23 shots a game. Second-year goaltender Peter Budaj, who has been in net throughout the streak, has improved to 23-15-4 with a 2.72 goals-against average.

The Avalanche have 14 games to make it happen if they are going to play playoff hockey. Their next opportunity to gain ground is Sunday afternoon, when they will be in St. Paul to play the eighth-seeded Wild. The two clubs also hook up one last time in Denver on March 31. What’s left on the schedule also includes three games each with Calgary and Vancouver, two with Edmonton and a visit from the Nashville Predators over the final weekend of the season.

Colorado will have to shine against its divisional rivals over the final four weeks. So far this season, the Avalanche are 11-10-1 facing Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Minnesota. They will have to be better than a .500 team down the stretch if they are going to make their way into the playoffs.