Avs blank Chicago, 5-0

In Denver Friday night, the Colorado Avalanche did their jobs in the Western Conference wild card race with a 5-0 win over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.

The Avs are tied with the St Louis Blues for the second wild card spot in the conference.

“We have to take care of our business, that’s all we can do,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “I know those teams are playing each other a little bit. All we can do is take care of what we can control, play our games and try to get points every night.

“At the end, the chips will lie where they do. We’ll either be in or we’re out. The most important thing is we’re coming ready to play and to compete for those two points every night. The only standings that matter is next Saturday.”

Semyon Varlamov made 30 saves before leaving with an injury late in the third period.

“He was good. He played really well against us last game at home too. He seemed to win the game for them. He’s a good goalie. He seems to be really athletic in the net. It seems to work out well,” Chicago’s Connor Murphy said of Varlamov.

Jonathan Bernier preserved the shutout with three saves.

Sven Andrighetto struck twice for the Avs.

“We knew what was on the line, every point is huge. The next game is even bigger than the one we just had. Definitely a big win for us, and we have to keep it going,” Andrighetto said after the win.

Tyson Barrie, Tyson Jost and Mikko Rantanen added single markers in the win.

“It was good,” Rantanen said. “We’ve been struggling, so it was good to get three goals and get some confidence. The 4-on-3, we were moving it around. Mine, Nate made a great pass, tape to tape, forehand to forehand. That’s the biggest key, get their four guys moving and open up the seam.”

[WATCH: All Blackhawks vs. Avalanche highlights]

Collin Delia made 31 saves in taking the loss.

“They’re good, very skilled,” Delia said. “Move the puck very well, a very fast pace. It’s good for me to get in there and see that, see a dominant team like them, how they move the puck, to get my timing down. It’s good.”