Mueller helps Avalanche sweep Blues

ST. LOUIS -- Peter Mueller scored twice on a three-point game that matched his career best and Paul Stastny netted his fifth goal in three games with two assists, helping the Colorado Avalanche sweep the season series against the St. Louis Blues with a 5-3 victory on Tuesday night.

The Blues had quick goals to start the first two periods, with Alex Steen matching the franchise record to start a game on his 20th goal at the 8-second mark and Patrik Berglund scoring at 34 seconds of the second to tie it at 2-2. Otherwise, backup goalie Peter Budaj was effective subbing for Craig Anderson, who got a break after making a franchise-record 23 consecutive starts.

St. Louis flopped in its first home game since Feb. 13, dropping to an NHL-worst 12-17-5 at the Scottrade Center, and the Avalanche outscored them 21-8 over four games for their first season sweep since 2005-2006.

Blues goalie Chris Mason gave up five goals on 24 shots after coming in 0-3 with a 7.22 goals-against average against Colorado.

-- AP