Some much-needed good news is coming out of Colorado after a tense few days.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that forward Valeri Nichushkin will be back in the lineup on Wednesday night when the Avs host the Anaheim Ducks. That’s a welcome development after Nichushkin was a surprise scratch ahead of Monday’s matinee win over the Washington Capitals.
The reason? A car accident on his way to the arena.
Fortunately, the injuries were minor, but it was enough to keep him out of action temporarily.
Now, just a couple of days later, Nichushkin is ready to go-and that’s a big boost for a Colorado team looking to build momentum.
It’s been a tough road for the 30-year-old winger, who’s battled more than his fair share of adversity since returning to the NHL from the KHL in 2018. Injuries and off-ice challenges have made it difficult for him to put together a full season.
Earlier this year, he missed eight games with a lower-body injury. Last season, it was even more turbulent: he missed the first 17 games while receiving treatment through the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, then sat out another 21 with injury.
Despite playing in just 43 games, he still managed to tally 21 goals and 13 assists-good for 34 points-and chipped in four more in the Avs’ first-round playoff series against Dallas.
This season, Nichushkin has been quietly effective. In 38 games, he’s posted 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points, ranking sixth on the team in scoring. He’s not always in the spotlight, but his two-way game, size, and scoring touch give Colorado an edge when he’s on the ice.
The timing of his return couldn’t be better. Monday’s 5-2 win over the Capitals snapped a brief two-game skid for the Avalanche, who had dropped games to the Maple Leafs and Predators last week. With Nichushkin back in the fold, Colorado will look to turn that bounce-back win into a full-on streak.
Even with those recent losses, the Avs are still sitting comfortably atop the NHL standings at 34-5-8, holding a 10-point cushion over the Stars in the Central Division. Getting a key piece like Nichushkin back only strengthens their position as the team to beat.