Avs Fall 3-1 to Canucks

Mike Santorelli scored two goals and added an assist in the Vancouver Canucks’ 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night.

The Canucks (17-10-5) earned their fifth win in sixth games and moved within a point of the Avalanche (20-8) in the tight Western Conference standings.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere lost for the first time in eight decisions this season. The Avalanche were beaten for just the third time in nine games.

Ryan Kesler also scored for the Canucks, who were outshot 29-21.

Jamie McGinn had the lone goal for Colorado, scored with only 7.1 seconds left. That kept Roberto Luongo from earning his 65th NHL shutout. He is 14-8-5 this season.

Giguere’s 7-0 start was a career best as a Colorado franchise record.

The Canucks, criticized by coach John Tortorella following Friday’s overtime win over Phoenix for an ongoing inability to finish out wins, broke open a tight game with two goals in the third.