It’s game on for Peter Forsberg.
The newly reacquired Avalanche forward was in uniform and on the ice in tonight’s crucial Northwest Division game against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center.
Forsberg, who has not played in the NHL this year, played left wing on a Joe Sakic-centered line with Milan Hejduk.
“I’m excited for tonight,” Forsberg said after the morning skate. “It’s going to be a great game. I’m going to be nervous, absolutely. It’s been a long time since I played, especially coming into this building again and playing.
“I hope people understand, you know, it’s been awhile since I’ve played, and (ask) for some patience. It might not be my best game in the beginning. All I can tell you is, I’m going to go out and play as hard as I can and see how it goes.”
Avs coach Joel Quenneville said he would not limit Forsberg’s shifts or ice time unless the 34-year-old says he does not feel comfortable. He is expected to play on the power play with Sakic, Hejduk, John-Michael Liles and Paul Stastny.
“It’s exiting for everybody,” Quenneville said. “He’s a special player and I think it means a lot to the organization (because of) his history here. His return is going to be a lot of fun.”
Stastny, the Avs’ leading scorer, sits next to Forsberg in the Pepsi Center locker room, and finds it odd they will be teammates tonight. Forsberg played his previous game for Colorado in 2004, when Stastny was 17 and had just committed to play at the University of Denver.
“It’s almost surreal, you look over and he’s right here, wearing the equipment,” said Stastny, who will remain the team’s second-line center. “He and Joe are two guys I idolized growing up. I’ve had a chance to play with Joe, and now Pete, it’s an opportunity you have to take advantage of it. It’s exciting.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
