Colorado Avalanche center Brad Malone (42) knocks Washington Capitals left wing Troy Brouwer (20) off his skates during the first period Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, in Denver. The Caps fell 2-1. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Photo by: Jack Dempsey

Colorado Avalanche center Brad Malone (42) knocks Washington Capitals left wing Troy Brouwer (20) off his skates during the first period Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, in Denver. The Caps fell 2-1. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)