Avs' Budaj earns more time in net

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jan 6, 2007 | by BRIAN GOMEZ THE GAZETTE

DENVER - The better Peter Budaj plays, the longer he will remain the Colorado Avalanche's starting goaltender.

Coach Joel Quenneville reaffirmed his commitment Friday to Budaj, who made his fourth consecutive start, against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Pepsi Center. Jose Theodore has not played since allowing five goals on 22 shots last Wednesday in a loss to Dallas.

"We offered (Budaj) the chance to take advantage of it and run with it," Quenneville said. "He's capable of playing many games in a row, pushing for that regular spot. How long this goes, we don't want to say for sure. But right now, he looks comfortable in the net."

Entering Friday's game, Budaj was 10-8-1 with a 2.52 goals- against average and a .906 save percentage. Theodore was 9-10-1 with a 3.10 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage.

Quenneville named Theodore the starting goaltender after training camp. Theodore has 151 wins in eight-plus seasons, although he has been largely unimpressive since the Avalanche acquired him from Montreal last March for David Aebischer.

Theodore is in the second year of a three-year contract that pays him $5.5 million this season and $6 million next season. He's the Avalanche's second-highest-paid player behind Joe Sakic, who makes $5.75 million.

Budaj has started eight of the past 11 games, his most action since starting 14 straight games the final month of last season. He's in the first year of a three-year deal that pays him $600,000 this season.

"He was very supportive of Jose, and he wanted him to do well," Quenneville said. "The way he works off the ice and the way he works on the ice, he's determined to better himself as a player. He's a special kid."

Slap shots

Center Brett McLean returned after a back injury sidelined him the previous three games.... Defenseman Patrice Brisebois missed his fourth straight game because of an injured back.... Right wing Ben Guite was a healthy scratch after being recalled from the Albany (N.Y.) River Rats.