Valeri Nichushkin scores twice as Avalanche clinch top spot in West

(Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

Valeri Nichushkin scored two goals as the Colorado Avalanche locked up the top spot in the Western Conference with a 3-1 road victory over the deflated St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.

Scott Wedgewood made 18 saves and Martin Necas also tallied to help the Avalanche (51-16-10, 112 points) inch closer to their fourth Presidents' Trophy in franchise history.

Robert Tho