The Colorado Avalanche were dealt a blow early in Thursday's game against the Phoenix Coyotes. He left the game in the first period with a knee injury and he will not return to the game, according to the team:
UPDATE: Matt Duchene has suffered a knee injury and will not return to the game.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 30, 2011
Duchene has missed just three games in his career, but it is too early to know if he will miss any more games after this injury.
For the 2011-2012 season, Duchene has 12 goals and 24 points, the team lead in the former and second in the latter.
For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Coyotes blog Five For Howling.