Skratch Is Back!

 

Stephine Chavez (HV)

 

After being out for 13 games with a knee injury, Skrastins returned to the ice when the Avalanche hosted the Vancouver Canucks on March 27, 2007 at Pepsi Center. Skrastins played 15:28 - 6 minutes below his season average - and had a game-high four blocked shots. "It's good to be back for sure. I am feeling that my knee is strong enough to play," said Skrastins on his return back tonight. He continued, "I had rehab for one month and I was ready to play. It was hard to be out and not with the guys all the time. I played a short shift especially in the first period tonight but it is exciting to be back." Skrastins recently broke the late Tim Horton's record for NHL Defensemen playing the most consecutive games at 487. Skrastins went on to play in eight more games before his new record/streak was snapped at 495 due to a sprained knee. When Skrastins was asked about his streak ending he said, " I try to not think about that" (streak being snapped so soon). "I have to be happy that I played so long. I knew sooner or later it would end but the streak will be good memories for me. I am not disappointed." The Colorado chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers of America on Monday named Skrastins the Avalanche nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which goes to the player judged to best exemplify perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Masterton, a former University of Denver player, died of head injuries suffered in a fall to the ice in a 1968 game while playing for the Minnesota North Stars. Skrastins says his buddies told him about the nomination. "I feel good that I was nominated. It is nice to be noticed for hard work," Skrastins humbly remarks. The team (Avs) are all aware that Calgary keeps winning and is still 7 points ahead of the Avs in the playoff race for the final spot in the Western Division. Skrastins says the team doesn't think about other teams right now and what they are doing. He adds, "We have to keep our heads up and continue to play like the guys did the past 12 games. The season is not over yet." The Avalanche pulled off a win today, Saturday March 31st against the Minnesota Wild. The Calgary Flames also won against the Vancouver Canucks today so the Avs are virtually no further ahead than they were since the last game. Hopefully the Avs can keep their "hot" winning streak and somehow make it into the playoffs. Time will tell.

Photo: Karlis Skrastins © Stephine Chavez (HV)