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Matt Duchene’s ankle injury is ahead of schedule

Tampa Bay Lightning v Colorado Avalanche

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 23: Matt Duchene #9 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on during a break in the action against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Pepsi Center on December 23, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Duchene scored the game winning goal as the Avalanche defeated the Lighning 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Doug Pensinger

It was only last week that Matt Duchene managed to hurt his ankle in what appeared to be gruesome fashion. Duchene was ruled to be out for 3-4 weeks putting him in danger of missing out on the rest of Colorado’s chase for the playoffs.

According to Adrian Dater of The Denver Post, however, Duchene is in Buffalo with the team and is set to skate with the team today. Dater even alludes that Duchene could be well enough to play soon. Reminder: He was just injured last week.

Considering where the Avs are in the playoff hunt this is nothing but good news for them. Duchene’s absence hasn’t hurt them lately, but getting him back could give Colorado the edge they’re looking for as they duke it out for the final two spots in the Western Conference. In the meantime, it’s up to Ryan O’Reilly, Gabriel Landeskog, and Paul Stastny to carry the load for the Avs, something they’ve done well this season.

Update (12:33 p.m.): Dater reports that Duchene is expected to play tomorrow against the Devils. Whatever his medical regiment is, I’ll have some of that.