VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Jarome Iginla does not have trouble getting up for games against the Vancouver Canucks.
Heading into Wednesday night’s game here, the Avalanche winger had more points (82) than any other active NHL player against the Canucks. But that was news to him.
“I wouldn’t know that. It’s good to know,” Iginla, 38, said after Colorado’s morning skate at Rogers Arena. “I like to know the positive stats.”
Iginla had 32 goals and 50 assists against the Canucks prior to Wednesday.
“For me, I always enjoy playing (in) Vancouver, just from the history and that it’s a great building to play in,” he said. “I think it’s always a great atmosphere and it’s fun. It has a lot of good memories for me, and I’ve had some good battles over the years.”
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Iginla suited up for his 97th career regular-season contest against the Canucks. But his focus was on securing a post-season berth, not milestones. Iginla’s teams have missed the playoffs in five of the past seven seasons, including 2014-15 with the Avs.
“Every game in the NHL is fun,” he said. “But at this time of year, they get more fun. And, in the playoffs, they’re even that much more (fun). I want to be a part of it.”
Concussion keeps Bigras down. Avalanche defenseman Chris Bigras took part in the morning skate, but he remained sidelined for the game as he continues to recuperate from a concussion suffered March 5 against Nashville.
“He’s going to be re-evaluated in Calgary,” Avs coach Patrick Roy said. “And if he clears, he’ll play.”
Gabe still out. Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog sat out the second of his three-game suspension for a reckless cross-check on Anaheim defensesman Simon Despres.
