The Avalanche received great news Sunday regarding Ryan O’Reilly.
With their second-year, third-line center initially feared to be lost possibly for the season with a left shoulder injury, the Avs learned of a fate far better.
“He’ll miss a couple weeks, no surgery required,” Avs coach Joe Sacco said. “We’re all very relieved and thankful, because it looked worse. The good thing with Ryan, too, is he’s young, he’s in good shape, and hopefully he can recover here quickly.”
O’Reilly, 19, crashed awkwardly into the boards during the Avs’ 4-1 victory Friday at Minnesota. He was carried off on a stretcher for precautionary reasons, with concerns he also had head and neck injuries.
“It was scary, anytime someone is put on the stretcher,” Avs center Paul Stastny said. “You continue playing, but it’s always in the back of your mind. You don’t know if it’s career-threatening or a broken neck or anything.
“It’s good to know it’s not as serious as it could have been. You just hope he’s back as soon as possible.”
If he indeed misses two weeks, O’Reilly will miss a five-game homestand, beginning Tuesday against Vancouver, leading into the all-star break.
In 45 games, O’Reilly has five goals and 10 assists for 15 points and is a plus-6.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
