CALGARY, Alberta — Mark Olver won’t even have to lie to his grandkids about it.
His first National Hockey League goal was actually a beauty.
With the Avalanche already trailing by two goals in the opening period Thursday against Calgary, Olver accepted a nifty pass from linemate Matt Duchene and deked to his backhand to bury his first big-league goal.
As if the assist wasn’t enough of a contribution, Duchene also scooped up the souvenir puck for his 23-year-old teammate.
It’s no surprise that Olver is chipping in on the score sheet. Prior to his recall last week, he was leading the American Hockey League’s Lake Erie Monsters with 23 goals in 58 games.
Heading into Thursday’s meeting with the Flames, the rookie center had registered three assists in eight games with the Avs this season.
Foote out.
Defenseman Adam Foote didn’t play because of an ankle injury he suffered Wednesday against Vancouver. According to an Avalanche official, Foote is still traveling with the team and will be re-evaluated today.
On a positive injury note, winger Ryan Stoa returned to the lineup after missing five consecutive outings while recovering from an appendectomy.
While the Avalanche skipped Thursday’s morning skate after a late arrival in Alberta, assistant captain Milan Hejduk (shoulder) spun a few laps by himself at the Scotiabank Saddledome. When Hejduk returns, the 35-year-old will become just the third skater in franchise history to appear in 900 games, joining Foote (978) and Joe Sakic (1,378) on that exclusive list.
Wes Gilbertson, Special to The Denver Post
