Jae C. Hong, The Associated Press
Anaheim Ducks’ Ondrej Kase, right, of the Czech Republic, reaches for the puck next to Colorado Avalanche’s Nikita Zadorov, of Russia, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Anaheim, Calif. 
Getting your player ready...
Avalanche defenseman will miss the next two games before the three-day Christmas break with a lower-body injury, coach said Thursday after an optional practice.
Zadorov was injured in the second period of Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over visiting Montreal. He did not return.
The Avs, who entered the game with just six healthy defensemen, will call-up a blue-liner from the American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles.
Colorado hosts on Friday to close out a four-game homestand in which it has gone 2-1. Bednar said goalie — who backstopped Wednesday’s win with a 35-save effort — will start against Chicago to begin a consecutive night stretch with travel. The Avs visit on Saturday, and Bednar said will start in net.
