Avs Squash Rangers

Rangers roster

"The coach called a meeting and we watched some video," Hejduk said. "We all thought we had to shoot more and we were not attacking the middle. So now we're getting some shots, getting some rebounds and getting better."

Patrick Roy made 25 saves as the Avalanche won their second straight after a three-game losing streak. Colorado has gone 5-for-8 on the power play in the last two games.

"We've had two good games in a row now, but we have a long way to go," Deadmarsh said.

The Rangers led 1-0 in the first period on Theo Fleury's goal, but it was not enough to prevent the Ranger's winless streak extending to seven games (0-5-2).

"Our confidence is real low right now," goaltender Mike Richter said. "This team is not good at taking an emotional hit. We have to get over this. You put in an effort and get some success. The last game was better. Tonight's first period stated out OK, but then we fell apart."

After a sluggish start Colorado has improved despite playing without Peter Forsberg, who will be out until mid-December due to an off-season shoulder surgery.

"I don't know if it is all on me because no one player is going to fill Peter's spot," said Deadmarsh. "Everyone on this team has the responsibility to try to fill in for Peter."

Life is not good for the Rangers, who despite having the league's highest payroll, have huge problems in both defense and offense.

"We need second efforts, we need third efforts and we need to win battles in the offensive end," New York coach John Muckler said. "We are not going to win until we score on a regular basis."