Colorado captain Sakic out at least six weeks

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic will be sidelined at least six weeks while receiving treatment for a herniated disc.

The center's back has bothered him all season and he hasn't played since hurting it during his first shift in a game at Phoenix on Friday.

In a statement issued by the team, Sakic said he concurred with team doctors, who recommended he not return to the ice until mid-January.

In addition to his back problems, Sakic also missed several games with an infected tooth. He originally hurt his back a month ago but had recovered before his latest injury.

Sakic had struggled to make a decision over the summer on whether he should return for a 20th season.

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