Colorado Avalanche Forward Matt Duchene Out Up To Four Weeks
By Andrew Dill
Jan 11, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene (9) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Avalanche defeated the Wild 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche received some bad news after clinching a playoff berth with a win over the San Jose Sharks Saturday afternoon. Avalanche leading scorer Matt Duchene would get banged up on his first shift while colliding with teammate Jamie McGinn as Duchene fell and slowly made his way to the bench. The Avalanche already know what it’s like to be without key players as Alex Tanguay (knee/hip) is out for the season and P.A. Parenteau (knee) may be back for the playoffs.
Matt Duchene has been a key part in the revival of the Avalanche hockey club. At just 23-years-old, Duchene has set career-highs in points (70), shots (217), and assists (47). It has been confirmed that Duchene’s injury is something with his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and may miss the first-round of the playoffs. Here is what the forward said via Twitter about the situation.
"“Been waiting to tweet til the official release but just a few thoughts here for you guys. 100 pts & playoff bound is something all of us have been working towards for a long time. Something to be majorly proud of #AvsNation!“Secondly, the thought of not playing in the first round for me has been devastating. We have outstanding medical and training staff that will be helping me to get healthy ASAP. I will be doing everything in my power to be ready for Game 1. And if not then, shortly after! We are a helluva team ready for the playoffs. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers they are greatly appreciated!”"
Colorado now has a decision to make whether to move rookie sensation to center the first-line with Ryan O’Reilly and Jamie McGinn or move John Mitchell up from the third-line to center the first. MacKinnon has benefited playing alongside captain Gabriel Landeskog and Paul Stastny, adding speed to a dangerous line.
The Colorado Avalanche (47-21-6, 100 pts) are back in action Tuesday night as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets who are battling for playoff position. Puck-drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM MT.