Back problems have not been an issue in Joe Sakic’s long NHL career, but he has one now. The future Hall of Famer missed Thursday’s game against Minnesota with a stiff back, but the Avs are hopeful he won’t miss much more time.
Sakic skated Thursday morning but left the ice early after complaining of more stiffness. He’ll be re-evaluated today.
“If this was the playoffs, it would probably be a totally different story, but we want to be careful with him,” Avs coach Tony Granato said.
Roster shufflings.
Avs defenseman Scott Hannan missed the game with the flu, so Colorado also recalled Kyle Cumiskey from Lake Erie.
The Avs reassigned forward David Jones to Lake Erie, calling it a temporary loan. Jones struggled in his first 10 games, with two points and a minus-8.
Schultz: Tucker threatened me.
Wild defenseman Nick Schultz accused Avs winger Darcy Tucker of threatening — and following through — with a dirty hit to his knees.
Tucker was called for “clipping” against Schultz in the third period. The two exchanged words earlier in the game.
“My concern is at the end of the second, he tells me he’s going to come and take out my knees, and then he actually does it,” Schultz said. “It says everything you need to know about that guy. He’s been that type of player his whole career, and you don’t need that in the game. It’s something we’re trying to get away from — hits to the head and taking out guys knees. It’s just a gutless play.”
Tucker was unavailable for comment after Schultz levied his charge.
Adrian Dater, The Denver Post
