Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Practice Resumes Today; Nichushkin’s Status Update; 4 Nations Buzz

Several NHL teams returned to practice on Tuesday but the Avalanche are back today. Will Valeri Nichushkin be ready to return? Also, players around the league are buzzing about the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off championship game.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — February 19.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avs are finally back. After having 11 days off, the team resumes practices later today and will do so without Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews. The trio of Canadians are still in Boston preparing for Thursday’s 4 Nations finale against Team USA.

It’s pretty crazy that those guys will ultimately play three games in four nights if they don’t get any days off given the Avs’ back-to-back this weekend. I assume they’ll fly straight to Nashville on Friday and meet their teammates there. Colorado is scheduled to practice on Friday before boarding a flight.

By the time you’re reading this, you might already have the answer. But, will Nichushkin be a full participant at practice? Having him back is crucial for the Avalanche’s success.

Colleen Flynn wrote about what his return could mean for Colorado.

Around the NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Both Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust returned for the Pens’ first practice.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: John Tortorella was behind the bench for Team USA on Monday probably wondering where this type of performance has been all season from Samuel Ersson.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils returned, and provided two big updates regarding their injured players.

NYI Hockey Now: Patrick Roy is loving the 4 Nations Face-Off. And to nobody’s surprise, he was a big fan of the three fights in nine seconds last weekend.

Chicago Hockey Now: Hear from several Blackhawks on what they think about the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Detroit Hockey Now: Patrick Kane is still pushing to be part of Team USA for next year’s Winter Olympics.

Boston Hockey Now: Charlie McAvoy won’t play for Team USA on Thursday. How long will he be out for the Bruins?

Vegas Hockey Now: The cost of winning a Stanley Cup is usually a depleted pipeline. That’s the case for the Golden Knights. Sounds relatable, doesn’t it?