--The Avalanche power play has run hot and cold this season and was frigid before the Olympic break, converting only 3 of 35 chances in the last 10 games. Colorado didn't come close to scoring during a five-minute power play while its Feb. 13 game in Los Angeles was scoreless. The Avalanche went on to lose 3-0. "That was a big turning point of the game," Avalanche coach Joe Sacco said. "We had a five-minute power play and we weren't able to capitalize on it. Then they come back and they score after it. Those are big moments in the game."

--The Avalanche was forced to play defensemen John-Michael Liles and Ruslan Salei on Feb. 13 in Los Angeles because of injuries to blue liners Kyle Cumiskey (concussion) and Adam Foote (back spasms). Liles logged 20:25 in ice time after being a healthy scratch for the four previous games. Salei played 19:52 and had five shots on goal. His only previous game this year came Oct. 8 against Nashville before he underwent back surgery. Foote and Cumiskey should be ready to go March 1 against Detroit. Foote experienced back problems in a Feb. 12 game against Phoenix. Cumiskey was injured in the same game on a hit from behind by Martin Hanzal.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We've had talks. In our latest talks, he made it clear he expects a lot of me. I expect a lot of myself, and I realize I wasn't living up to what they were expecting and what I was expecting. He obviously has decided to take this route to make sure I realize it." -- Avalanche defenseman John-Michael Liles, who has been a healthy scratch seven times this season.

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