Reto Berra will be in goal Thursday night when the Avalanche play Calgary at the Pepsi Center in their second preseason game.
Coach Patrick Roy didn't divulge all of his line combinations after practice Wednesday, but he said Matt Duchene would make his preseason debut and center a line with John Mitchell and Jack Skille. Mikhail Grigorenko will center Andreas Martinsen and Nathan MacKinnon.
Skille, in camp on a professional tryout, is making a strong bid to make the team. He had a goal Sunday in the Burgundy and White game, and he had a shorthanded goal and an assist Tuesday in the Avalanche's 5-4 overtime win against Anaheim.
Jarome Iginla (hip) won't play, but Roy said he expects him back soon.
Former Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson is with the Flames on a professional tryout.
The Avalanche will leave Friday for team bonding activities in Vail. They'll practice there Saturday at the Dobson Ice Arena at 11 a.m. before returning for Sunday's home game against Los Angeles.
*****
NHL.com is running season previews for all 30 NHL teams. My Avalanche preview is here. Keep in mind my deadline was a week ago.
As part of the preview package, here are three X-factors that will go a long way in determining if the Avalanche make the playoffs.