Some encouraging news from the Avalanche, courtesy of the Denver Post:
It's possible leading scorer Matt Duchene will only be sidelined for a week after sustaining an oblique injury early in the third period Saturday in the Avalanche's 4-1 loss to Florida.
Looks like that's a best-case scenario. Even so, that means he will miss games against Chicago, Phoenix and Los Angeles, the latter two on the road.
The Avalanche catches a scheduling break because there are three off days after next Saturday's game in L.A. before the Nov. 27 home game with St. Louis.
But, as of now, the Avalanche hasn't called up a forward from the Lake Erie Monsters in the American Hockey League. Instead, defenseman Ryan Wilson was placed on injured reserve because of his back injury and defenseman Tyson Barrie was recalled.
Alex Tanguay, who hurt his knee Nov. 2 against Montreal, is out indefinitely so it's possible he could be put on IR and allow the Avalanche to summon a replacement forward.
The Avalanche didn't practice Sunday. The team will be back on the ice Monday in preparation for Tuesday night's game against the Blackhawks at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche has been outscored 13-5 during a three-game losing streak.