Eurolanche

Lucic returns for Kings against Avs

Season series: The Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings have split two games this season, with each winning at home. Kings forward Tyler Toffoli had the game-winning goal late in the third period of a 2-1 win on Oct. 18. Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie had a career-high four points (two goals, two assists) in a 4-1 win on Jan. 4.

Avalanche team scope: Colorado likely will start backup goalie Calvin Pickard, who made 16 saves and allowed four goals in two periods of a 6-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. Starter Semyon Varlamov was not with the team in San Jose because of a legal matter and will not play Wednesday. The Avalanche, which had won four games in a row, recalled Roman Will from San Antonio of the American Hockey League; he replaced Pickard in the third period and made two saves on three shots in his NHL debut. Pickard, defenseman Erik Johnson and center Mikhail Grigorenko each missed the morning skate due to illness but were able to play. "We didn't have a good start," coach Patrick Roy said. "Offensively, we didn't generate much. I don't want to use the word 'distraction,' but we had three guys sick this morning. It's hard enough to play when you're 100 percent."

Kings team scope: Forward Milan Lucic will be back in the lineup after serving a one-game suspension for roughing Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton on Saturday. Lucic did not play in a 3-2 overtime win Sunday at the San Jose Sharks. Jordan Nolan, who replaced Lucic, likely will be a healthy scratch. Left wing Kyle Clifford (upper body) who hasn't played since Dec. 6, skated Tuesday but likely won't play. Goalie Jonathan Quick will start after backup Jhonas Enroth made 32 saves in a 3-2 shootout win against the San Jose Sharks in their previous game on Sunday.

Related Stories

Actual Lineup

Colorado Avalanche lineup from this game