David Koci was back at his “regular” Avalanche position — left wing — Sunday against the Calgary Flames at the Pepsi Center.
The big Czech played defense in the shootout victory at Phoenix on Friday, when three defensemen on the active roster — Ryan Wilson (knee), Adam Foote (leg) and Cameron Gaunce (hand) — were unavailable. Gaunce, recalled from Lake Erie on Wednesday, suffered a hand injury in the Thursday loss to Nashville.
Wilson returned to the lineup against Calgary after missing four games with a knee injury, so Koci was back on the fourth line against Calgary with Philippe Dupuis and Cody McLeod.
Koci worked with the defensemen at the morning skate, just in case. Afterward, he said that he had played on defense before in the NHL, primarily with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09.
“I like it,” Koci said. “It’s my natural position and I enjoy it. I played it some in the minors. I changed to defense probably five years ago, when I was at Chicago, but at Tampa Bay I probably played half of my games on defense and half of my games at forward.
“I just try to make the most of it wherever I play, whether it’s at forward or at ‘D.’ “
Because he’s listed at left wing, the use of Koci on defense Friday didn’t add to the staggering total number of defensemen — 15 — who have appeared in Colorado games this season.
Footnotes.
After playing the previous two games, winger Brandon Yip again was a healthy scratch against the Flames. … The Avalanche will practice this morning at Family Sports Center, then leave for its final road trip of the season — which includes games at St. Louis on Tuesday and Dallas on Thursday. . . . The Avalanche has used 38 players in regular-season games this season. The number includes 35 skaters and three goalies. Two additional goalies, John Grahame and Jason Bacashihua, suited up in backup roles but didn’t play.
Terry Frei, The Denver Post
