Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin: Back at practice

Nichushkin (lower body) returned to practice Thursday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Nichushkin practiced for 15 minutes, participating in line rushes before stopping when contact drills began, but he still worked on his own afterward. Nichushkin has missed the last 19 games and is doubtful for Colorado's back-to-back set this weekend. He has 11 goals and 17 points over 21 games this season.