The Avalanche is slowly getting its players back from the injury bug.
For Monday’s game against St. Louis, Avs defenseman Ryan Wilson returned to the lineup and enforcer David Koci was available, though he didn’t play.
Wilson had been out because of a blood clot in a leg. He had a rough return, being on the ice for the Blues’ first two goals, along with defensive partner Adam Foote.
In other encouraging health- related news, goalie Craig Anderson took shots at practice for the first time since suffering a knee injury nearly three weeks ago.
“All signs indicate that he is progressing,” coach Joe Sacco said.
The Avs have yet to give a definitive timetable when Anderson might be back in the lineup.
Also back on the ice was defenseman Kyle Quincey, who suffered a concussion last week. Quincey didn’t play but should return soon.
Left wing Peter Mueller (concussion) still has not skated since September, and no timetable has been given on a possible return.
Holos scratched.
The return of Wilson and the recent acquisition of Ryan O’Byrne have created a logjam on defense. Against St. Louis, Jonas Holos was a healthy scratch despite playing well of late.
Holos, plus-3 in his previous four games, had played 12 straight games. Sacco said it’s possible the Avs will keep eight defensemen, as they did at times last season.
Footnotes.
The Avs entered the game fourth in the league in average goals per game (3.25). They were 0-6-0 when scoring two goals or fewer. . . . Milan Hejduk quietly had another good game with two assists. He has points in 10 of his last 12 games.
Adrian Dater, The Denver Post
