The last time Peter Budaj started for the Colorado Avalanche, management sought a new goalie in the summer and found Craig Anderson. Now, thanks to an injury, Budaj could get a another long look.

The Colorado Avalanche entered the season hopeful that Craig Anderson would not have to play nearly every game between the pipes. That hasn't been an issue since Anderson injured his right knee during warm-ups Oct. 26. He does not need surgery, but the team has been quiet about the severity of the injury and a potential timetable for recovery.

Peter Budaj has filled in admirably, going 2-0-1, including a stop on Manny Malhotra in the waning seconds of regulation in a tie game last week.

"I've been trying to prepare as best I can to be ready for the situation when I get a chance to play. Obviously, right now I'm playing more, and it's an exciting time for me to get back in net," Budaj said Saturday. "You don’t want to see anybody get hurt, but on the other hand every goalie wants to play."

Some might consider it surprising Budaj even has the opportunity.

In his sixth season in the Mile High City, Budaj is tied with David Aebischer for third in franchise history with 89 wins, trailing Patrick Roy (262) and Dan Bouchard (107), but there was some discussion in the offseason about not bringing back the 28-year-old. There were also reports he might play in the Kontinental Hockey League, something Budaj said he never considered.

As the team's top netminder, Budaj had a disappointing 2008-09, going 20-29-5 with a .899 save percentage in 55 starts. His numbers were better last season (5-5-2 record, .917 save percentage), but he only started 11 games because Anderson signed as a free agent.

"I'm not satisfied with just being a backup. I don't want to sound like this is the end road for me, that I want to be a backup forever," Budaj told the Denver Post.

"I don't think I'm that old, and there's many goalies who become a No. 1 at 32 or 33 years old. I want to show the Avalanche and the rest of the NHL I can still be a No. 1 goalie."

He did that by making 33 saves against the Blue Jackets, after allowing five goals in a 6-5 win in Calgary and giving up three in a 4-3 shootout loss in Vancouver.

"I feel a lot better than I did the last game," Budaj said. "I was able to see the puck much better, so it's a confidence boost for me and the team."

That is the goal of every player.

"I'm always working to try to get better, to be more consistent," Budaj said. "I'm fortunate to be part of an organization that has given me chances, and I'm grateful. This is the best organization in the league."

Notes

The Flames signed D Mark Giordano to a contract extension through 2015-16. "I've wanted to be part of this team, part of this city for a long time. It's a great fit," Giordano said. … Calgary F Craig Conroy played his 1,000th game Thursday, becoming the 253rd NHLer to reach the mark. … Edmonton placed G Jeff Deslauriers, who has not played since training camp, on waivers Monday. He will join AHL Oklahoma City. … Disgruntled Oiler D Sheldon Souray, now playing with AHL Hershey, broke his right hand in a fight Oct. 23, but he could be back in action this weekend. … Minnesota's Antti Miettinen sustained a mild concussion when hit by Los Angeles' Dustin Brown Oct. 25. "I feel foggy, but it shouldn’t be too bad," he told the Minneapolis Star Tribune five days later. His absence moved Chuck Kobasew to the team's top line with Andrew Brunette and Mikko Koivu. Kobasew scored Thursday. … Wild D Marek Zidlicky scored his second goal of the season Saturday, his fifth even-strength goal in two-plus seasons with the Wild. Fifteen of his 20 goals with the Wild have come on the power play. … The agent for Wild F Martin Havlat said that his client has been underutilized by head coach Todd Richards. … Vancouver LW Alex Burrows was expected to make his debut Tuesday. Burrows, who led the Canucks with 35 goals last season, missed the first month of the season following offseason shoulder surgery. … Vancouver D Keith Ballard returned to the lineup Monday after missing five games due to a concussion. ... The Canucks announced Tuesday that G Kirk McLean will be the second player inducted into the club's Ring of Honour. The ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 24. Orland Kurtenbach was the initial inductee.

Photos by Getty Images

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