Stanley Cup Playoffs 2014: Matt Duchene ‘Likely’ To Return Game Six On The Fourth Line

Sep 26, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) waits for play to begin during the second period against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

After sitting out the entire first-round up until this point, Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene is expected to play Monday night in game six of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild.

Duchene would injury his left knee on March. 29th against the San Jose Sharks in a collision with teammate Jamie McGinn. Head coach Patrick Roy said Duchene if to play, will begin the night on the fourth-line and will be primarily used on the power-play unit. Avalanche right-winger P.A. Parenteau went through the same injury (MCL) as Duchene did earlier in the season and this is what he had to say about it via The Denver Post:

"“But everyone reacts differently. You never know,” said Parenteau, 31. “He’s younger that me, he’s a really good athlete and he had a pretty good rehab. I watched him at times. If he’s ready to play, he’s ready to play — that’s one thing I know about him."

Whether Duchene is 100% percent or not, he can still be a factor with his hockey I.Q. and puck control. Matt lead the Colorado Avalanche this season with 70 points, recording 47 assists and 23 goals. Here is more from rookie head coach Patrick Roy:

"“We’re going to be smart with it,” Roy said of Duchene’s return. “He’s a talented player, a great hockey player. He wants to play. … It’s not my decision, and it’s not his decision. It’s our team doctors and our trainers.”"

Game six between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota is expected to begin at 9:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM MT.