"With Peter Budaj making his first start much earlier than last season, the question of whether his workload will be heavier than 11 starts was put to Avalanche coach Joe Sacco after Tuesday night's 5-4 shootout victory over Detroit.

"I make those decisions game by game," Sacco said.

But Sacco seemed to admit he doesn't want to play Craig Anderson 71 times again, which set a team record last season.

"It's important going down the stretch for a team that's worthy of being in the playoffs, I think the goalie would benefit (from a rest)," Sacco said. "But the biggest thing is getting to the playoffs.""