Looking fresher than he did two nights ago when sidelined with the flu, Avalanche first-line center Paul Stastny said this morning he’s ready to return tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Pepsi Center.
“Feel a lot better. It was good to get some rest,” said Stastny, who said a fever was too strong to play in Tuesday’s game with Buffalo.
The Avs will play a Coyotes team that won’t have No. 1 goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov in the lineup, because of what the team said is a family medical situation. He is expected to return to practice with the Coyotes Friday. The Coyotes will start backup Jason LaBarbera against the Avs.
Also on the ice with a stick in his hand today for the Avs was right wing Chris Stewart, though he won’t play tonight.
Stewart, out since Nov. 27 with a broken bone in his left hand, participated in skating and shooting drills with the team for the first time since the injury.
Coach Joe Sacco said there is no timetable on Stewart’s return, but that “it’s getting closer.” Stewart was listed as out 4-6 weeks following the injury.
Also, Avs defender Kyle Cumiskey (concussion) has been cleared to return to full-contact practice by the club. He will not play tonight, however.
Craig Anderson will start in goal for the Avs.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
