Stars beat Avalanche, 3-1, behind Andrew Raycroft

DENVER — Andrew Raycroft stopped 35 shots for his first win in nearly a year, and the Dallas Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche, 3-1, on Monday night.

Raycroft (1-5) hadn’t won since beating Minnesota on Jan. 9. He made his first start since taking over for Kari Lehtonen, who was placed on the injured list Sunday after he hurt his right knee against Phoenix.

Michael Ryder scored two goals, and Eric Nystrom added his eighth of the season for the Stars. Kevin Porter spoiled Raycroft’s shutout bid with his first this season, but Colorado fell to 4-9 at home.