Samuel Girard broke a scoreless tie late in the second period and Nazem Kadri added an assist to go along with an empty-net score as the visiting Colorado Avalanche got past the Anaheim Ducks with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday.

The NHL's most efficient offense, averaging 4.25 goals per game entering Wednesday's contest, was uncharacteristically quiet but the Avalanche still were able to extend their winning streak to four games and their points streak to 10 games (9-0-1).

Colorado goalie Pavel Francouz had 34 saves in his second career shutout while playing in place of Darcy Kuemper, who left Monday's game against the Minnesota Wild with an apparent upper-body injury. The Avalanche finished 3-0-0 against Anaheim this season.

Ducks goalie John Gibson had 27 saves in his first game since Jan. 4 after missing the last five games while in COVID-19 protocol. The Ducks were shut out for the second consecutive game and fell to 2-7-1 since Dec. 29.

Anaheim was missing defensemen Josh Manson and Cam Fowler, both of whom are in COVID-19 protocol. Also out were team points leader Troy Terry (protocol) and Sonny Milano (upper body), who is third on the team in points.

The Avalanche offense finally broke through 91 seconds before the second intermission. Girard found a loose puck in the slot and fired a bouncing shot that got under the stick-side blocker of Gibson for his fourth of the season. Kadri picked up his team-leading 36th assist.

Kadri's 15th goal of the season came with 69 seconds remaining in the game.

The defense did the rest for the Central Division-leading Avalanche, holding the Ducks to 0 of 4 on the power play.

The Avalanche now have a point in six of their last seven road games, while winning for the 10th time in 18 contests away from their own building. They currently have a 14-game home winning streak, with two of those against the Ducks.

--Field Level Media