
From nhl.com …
Forward Milan Hejduk (back) practiced with the rest of his Avalanche teammates on Friday morning and could very well be in the lineup on Saturday when Colorado hosts Northwest Division rival Vancouver.
Hejduk, who skated with Darcy Tucker on a line centered by Matt Duchene, said he felt “great” after getting off the ice. According to Avalanche head coach Joe Sacco, if Hejduk still feels the same way on Saturday morning, he’ll play against Vancouver.
“We’re getting healthy again,” said Sacco. “Milan went through a practice today, full workout, and responded well. If he wakes up tomorrow feeling good, he’ll be back in the lineup tomorrow night.”
The veteran was a late scratch for Sunday’s game against Edmonton. He did not practice Tuesday and was held out of Wednesday’s game in Chicago. The entire team had the day off yesterday.
Meanwhile, Sacco has yet to make a decision on whether defenseman Tom Preissing will make his Avalanche debut tomorrow. Sacco noted that Preissing is still working on his conditioning, trying to get his legs back under him after spending so much time off the ice.
Craig Anderson will get the starting nod tomorrow in a game Sacco labeled a “must-win,” noting that the team heads out on a three-game road trip following Saturday’s contest.
“We talked briefly after practice and it’s a must-win for us,” said Sacco. “It’s a team that’s played well against us. The last time we played them in Vancouver they took it to us. We need to respond with a good effort tomorrow night.”