Avalanche could be without C Sakic

Nov 29, 2008 - 6:25 PM DENVER (Ticker) -- The status of Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic for Saturday's home contest against the Tampa Bay Lighting is uncertain.

The 39-year-old center, who has been battling back problems that have limited him to five games in November, played only one shift in Friday's 2-1 loss in Phoenix.

After the game, Colorado coach Tony Granato said he was not sure if Sakic would be available against the Lightning. Sakic will be evaluated Saturday.

"You're always worried," Granato said. "Anytime you lose a player like Joe, your captain and your leader, you always have a concern. But I don't know. I'm not a doctor. I don't know exactly what it is."

Sakic has two goals and 10 assists in 15 games this season. He is tied for third on the team in scoring with 12 points.

Since straining his back during a weight room session earlier this month, Sakic has played only one full game - Wednesday against St. Louis. He has missed seven games and made brief appearances in two others.

Sakic registered 13 goals and 27 assists last campaign and added two tallies and eight assists in the postseason as Colorado reached the Western Conference semifinals.

Drafted 15th overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1987, Sakic moved to Colorado with the franchise in 1996 and has been the team's captain for 16 seasons. Sakic has 625 goals, 1,016 assists for 1,641 points in 1,378 career games.