Ryan Smyth was back on the ice Tuesday — but only to take part in the Avalanche’s team picture.
There is cautious optimism, however, that the veteran left winger will return before the end of the season. Smyth remains listed out indefinitely with a slight shoulder separation and a concussion.
But an Avs official said Smyth’s concussive symptoms have improved already, and he seemed in good spirits during the picture-taking session. Smyth was injured after being hit into the turnbuckle near the Avs’ bench Saturday against Los Angeles.
Theodore scare.
Avs goalie Jose Theodore was hurt after being kneed in the head by Vancouver’s Matt Pettinger in the second period.
But after taking a couple of minutes to gather himself, Theodore bounced back up, ready to play.
Finger closer.
Avalanche defenseman Jeff Finger, out the last six games with a hand injury, is close to returning.
The question is, will Finger find a place in the lineup? The recent acquisitions of Adam Foote and Ruslan Salei might make it tough for Finger to find a spot.
Built Brunette-tough.
Andrew Brunette is the NHL’s new ironman.
The veteran Avs forward played his 438th consecutive game Tuesday. Calgary’s Cory Sarich had his streak of 453 straight games snapped when he was a healthy scratch Saturday against Phoenix.
Forsberg numbers.
Peter Forsberg’s resumption of play gave him 698 career games. He needs two goals for 250 in his career, and 129 points for 1,000.
Adrian Dater, The Denver Post
