One sure sign of Craig Anderson returning to full health: his wisecracking, needling nature toward the press.
The Avalanche goalie, nearing a return from a right knee injury 22 days ago, joked about some of the alarming reports that came out in the wake of his injury in Vancouver.
“Everyone made it out to be worse than it was,” Anderson said after the morning skate at the Pepsi Center, where the Avs will host the San Jose Sharks tonight. “I knew right from the get-go what it was and knew it wouldn’t be too long. Obviously (Canadian TV network) TSN thought differently. Any time a guy blocks a shot and leaves the ice, you all say he’s got a broken foot.”
Anderson won’t play tonight, and does not have a specific date he’s targeting to return. But all indications are it won’t be too much longer.
“It’s up in the air right now. Obviously I want to be 100 percent before I step on the ice for a game,” he said. “A lot more can happen in a game situation than a controlled practice. But the last week has been great, being back out there and with the guys, and just getting the timing back. I think once I get a few practices in, the timing should be right back to where it should be.”
The Avs will start Peter Budaj, who has played every game since Anderson went down. Coach Joe Sacco said he will play the same six defensemen from Monday’s win over St. Louis, meaning Jonas Holos will be the lone healthy scratch. Veteran Kyle Quincey (concussion) skated, but isn’t ready to return.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
