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Bourque appears ready to play
Posted: Thursday May 11, 2000 09:18 PM
DENVER (AP) -- Everybody loves Raymond's progress. Ray Bourque's recovery from a knee injury continued to go smoothly as the Colorado Avalanche defenseman was an active participant in Thursday's 75-minute practice, making sharp turns and quick stops in mostly non-contact drills. While he stopped short of pronouncing himself ready for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Saturday in Dallas, it was hard to imagine Bourque sitting out against the Stars. "I'm doing my best and doing what I have to do to get back," he said. "Things are going pretty well. To know exactly when or if it's going to happen for the opening game, we don't know yet. I'm getting pretty anxious I would say." Bourque, seeking his first Stanley Cup in 21 seasons, injured his left knee in Game 3 of the conference semifinals against Detroit, but the Avalanche still managed to win the final two games of the series and eliminate the Red Wings for the second straight year. Martin Skoula, a 20-year-old rookie, replaced Bourque alongside Adam Foote on Colorado's top defensive line. While the Avalanche welcome the return of the 39-year-old Bourque, Skoula performed admirably in his absence. "Martin was the guy who had the most experience throughout the season playing with Adam Foote," Colorado coach Bob Hartley said. "We felt very confident. I don't think it was a risk or a gamble. It was something that we were very comfortable with." By dispatching the Red Wings in five games, the Avalanche bought Bourque some valuable recuperation time. When Colorado and Dallas open their series Saturday, it will be 12 days since Bourque limped off the ice against Detroit. "It's been good," he said. "It's something that I welcome, giving me some time to get ready. We play Saturday, Monday and then we don't play until Friday. ... The way it's going, hopefully I'll be ready."
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