DENVER, May 23: Fredrik Olausson’s first playoff goal for 10 years lifted the Detroit Red Wings to a 2-1 overtime win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche Wednesday and a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

The veteran defenseman settled Game Three of the best-of-seven series 12:44 into overtime when he took a feed from Steve Yzerman in the neutral zone, skated in over the blueline and fired a slapshot that eluded Patrick Roy.

It was Detroit’s first victory in three overtime games this post-season.

“I saw their forwards went to change and their defense was a little bit backed in, so I just took the shot,” said Olausson. “Players were starting to get a little tired. Things happen that don’t normally happen.

For the first time the series produced the goaltending duel many had been expecting to see as Roy and Dominik Hasek, rated as two of the best ever and sure to be future Hall of Famers, traded dazzling saves, particularly in a wide-open overtime period.

Roy, playing in a record-equalling 236th career playoff game, had a far busier evening than his Czech rival as the Red Wings outshot the Avalanche 42-21.

Colorado defenseman Rob Blake had the only goal of the opening period when he chopped at Joe Sakic’s soft shot from the blue line as he cut across the slot, deflecting the puck past Hasek.

The Red Wings, who have lacked goal production from their top lines this series, dominated through the opening two periods, outshooting the Avalanche 21-11.

Baseball results

NEW YORK: Results of Wednesday’s Major League Baseball games (home team in CAPS):

American League

Texas 6 MINNESOTA 5

Toronto 8 NY YANKEES3

OAKLAND 7 Baltimore 6

DETROIT 2 Cleveland 0

Chi White Sox 2 BOSTON 0

ANAHEIM 7 Kansas City 6

Tampa Bay 3 SEATTLE 2

National League

Atlanta 2 MONTREAL 0

PHILADELPHIA 5 NY Mets 2

CINCINNATI 6 Florida 2

Los Angeles 1 MILWAUKEE 0

CHICAGO CUBS 7 Pittsburgh 4

ST LOUIS 3 Houston 2

COLORADO 5 San Diego 3

San Francisco 12 ARIZONA 5

—Reuters