Varlamov makes 39 saves, Iginla scores 598th goal as Avalanche beat Oilers 5-1

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov, back, of Russia, makes a stick save of a redirected shot by Edmonton Oilers right wing Teddy Purcell during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

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Colorado Avalanche left wing Blake Comeau, left, battles for control of the puck with Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden, left, and Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle work for the puck along the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

DENVER – Semyon Varlamov made 39 saves, Jarome Iginla scored his 598th career goal and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 on Saturday night for their fifth consecutive win.

Varlamov tied his career high with his sixth victory in a row and improved to 7-1 in December.

Tyson Barrie had a goal and an assist, and Blake Comeau and Nick Holden also scored for the Avalanche. Colorado (17-16-1) is above .500 for the first time this season.

It is the longest winning streak for the Avalanche since they won six straight from March 25 to April 5, 2014.

Andrej Sekera scored for the Oilers, who have lost three in a row following a six-game winning streak.