Chris Stewart scored in the eighth round of the shootout, helping the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche remain unbeaten at home with a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night.

Dustin Byfuglien had a chance to tie, but sent his slap shot just wide. The two teams engaged in a nine-round shootout on Oct. 10, with the Blackhawks winning.

Ryan O'Reilly scored twice for Colorado in regulation, while David Jones added a short-handed goal.

The Avalanche moved to 6-0 at Pepsi Center this season, matching the franchise record for consecutive home wins to start a season.

Byfuglien, Duncan Keith and Andrew Ladd scored for the Blackhawks, who lost for the second straight night.

Craig Anderson returned to the net after receiving a rare night off. The Avalanche goalie stopped 29 shots, including a vital save in overtime when he turned back Patrick Sharp's shot.

Anderson had his string of 15 straight starts interrupted Wednesday night when he was spelled by Peter Budaj, who was back after a bout with swine flu.

The Avalanche missed their first two attempts in the shootout, while Patrick Kane scored as he dribbled a puck through Anderson's legs.

Antti Niemi had a chance to preserve the win, only to have Colorado's final shooter, Marek Svatos, score high on him to force extra rounds.

Niemi finished with 19 saves.

Chicago had two quality cracks at knocking in the winner in the final minute of regulation, but John Madden's shot sailed just wide of the net and Tomas Kopecky sent one over the goal.

O'Reilly and Jones scored 59 seconds apart in the second period to give the Avalanche a 3-2 lead. Jones had a short-handed goal as he flew down the left side and flipped the puck past Niemi. It was Jones' second goal this season with the Avalanche a skater down.

Late in the second, Chicago tied the game at 3 when Ladd poked in the puck that was sitting in front of the net.

Both teams boast a bench full of youthful energy, with the average age on each roster just a shade under 27 years old. Continued...