Avalanche ends Blackhawks' point streak

DENVER -- The best start in NHL history is over. The Chicago Blackhawks finally left the ice without a point -- but with their heads held high.

The struggling Colorado Avalanche handed the Blackhawks their first regulation loss of the season last night, 6-2. It ended a remarkable run in which the Blackhawks (21-1-3) earned at least one point in their first 24 games, an NHL record.

"We're proud of it, but it'll be nice to move on now," defenseman Duncan Keith said. "It's hockey. We've lost games before in our lives. It's not like we're going to sit here and cry."

Dating to last year's regular season, the streak was 30 games. Chicago's overall points streak was the second-longest in NHL history. The 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers set the league record with a staggering 35-game unbeaten streak that included 25 wins and 10 ties -- all in the same season.

The Blackhawks hadn't lost in regulation since a 6-1 rout by Nashville on March 25, 2012. Their last defeat in regulation on the road came more than a year ago, a 5-1 loss at St. Louis on March 6, 2012. The crowd chanted, "End of streak! End of streak!" during the final minutes after P.A. Parenteau's 10th goal of the season made it 6-2.

"It's special,'' said Colorado's Matt Duchene, who had a goal and three assists. "It's obviously something no one had done yet. But what a run by them. I mean, first of all, congratulations to them. What a run they had. I don't think they're going to slow down because of this. But it's pretty special. It's a good feeling in here. We're pretty happy."

Ryan O'Reilly got his first goal since his contract dispute was resolved more than a week ago. He assisted on another goal in a four-goal onslaught by Colorado (9-10-4) in the second period.