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Denver, CO (SportsNetwork.com) - John Mitchell recorded the eventual game winner in the second period and Semyon Varlamov stopped 47 shots, as the Colorado Avalanche clinched a postseason berth with a 3-2 decision over San Jose at Pepsi Center.
Paul Stastny and Cody McLeod also lit the lamp for the Avalanche, who earned their first playoff trip since 2010 with their third straight win.
Colorado ended its longest playoff drought since moving to Denver and its longest since the Quebec Nordiques failed to qualify from 1988-92.
Joe Pavelski and Dan Boyle tallied for the Sharks, with Alex Stalock making only 19 saves in defeat for the Pacific Division leaders.
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