Stastny scores twice as the Colorado Avalanche rout Los Angeles Kings, 4-1

DENVER — A fast start kept the flickering playoff hopes of the Colorado Avalanche afloat.

Colorado scored three times in the first period against Jonathan Quick, one of the top goalies in the league, to send the Avs on their way to a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.

The win pulled Colorado to within two points of Los Angeles for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

And just like that, the Avs may be buyers instead of sellers at the rapidly approaching trade deadline.

"Before the game, I wanted to make sure everybody knows it's a big game," coach Joe Sacco said.

A message they certainly received.

Paul Stastny scored two goals to help the Avalanche to their first season sweep of the Kings in nearly two decades. Colorado finished 4-0 against Los Angeles this season, the first time the team has swept the series since 1992-93, when the franchise was in Quebec.

"This was a must-win game for us," said Semyon Varlamov, who had 32 saves for his 16th win of the season, a new career high. "It was important points for us."

Varlamov lost his shutout bid early in the third period when Dustin Brown deflected in Drew Doughty's slap shot from near the blue line.

The young Russian goalie is seeing more time lately with Jean-Sebastien Giguere on the mend from a groin injury. Varlamov has had success against the Kings this season, going 3-0 with a 1.30 goals-against average.

"I tried to do my best," Varlamov said. "I didn't play that well my last game and I know this one was very important for us. The playoffs are coming and we need every win."

Steve Downie made his debut with the Avalanche after being acquired Tuesday from Tampa Bay for defenseman Kyle Quincey, who was subsequently dealt to Detroit for a first-round pick and a minor leaguer.

The 24-year-old Downie arrived in the Mile High City late Tuesday and was so eager to get to the rink that he hardly slept.

"It was disappointing taking off on the plane (and leaving the Lightning)," he said. "But it was even more exciting landing."

Downie led the Lightning in penalty minutes (121) and fighting majors (5).

He was paired with Ryan O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog on the team's top line.