Theodore helps slow down Wild

Jose Theodore needed a good performance after being benched the last two games. The Colorado goalie provided one and got some help along the way.

Theodore made 20 saves, Milan Hejduk had his second two-goal game of the week and Ian Laperriere scored his 100th NHL goal in Colorado’s 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night at Denver. Hejduk also scored twice Oct. 23 against the Kings.

“I felt good about my game,� said Theodore, who sat out home games against the Kings and Washington after giving up eight goals in a loss at Montreal. “I felt good because I was there to make saves.

“We know Minnesota is one of the best teams in the league, and the way we played the way tonight just showed everybody and ourselves that we can beat anybody.�

Colorado ended Minnesota’s three-game winning streak.

Hejduk’s second goal -- at 12:40 of the second period -- was the first power-play score the Wild have given up on the road this season.

Minnesota, with the NHL’s top penalty-killing unit, had killed 17 straight power-play chances on the road.

San Jose 4, Tampa Bay 2 -- Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau scored power-play goals to lead the Sharks at Tampa, Fla.

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Unrestricted free-agent center Yanic Perreault, 35, signed a one-year contract with Phoenix.