Drury raring to lead second unit
Associated Press

Chris Drury
Drury

DENVER -- Colorado Avalanche center Chris Drury is eager for the challenge of leading the second line with Dave Andreychuk and Adam Deadmarsh if Peter Forsberg remains sidelined during the playoffs.

Last year's Calder Trophy winner is coming off a sophomore season in which scored 20 goals and posted a career-high 47 assists and 67 points. He played in all 82 games.

"They say the second time around is always better, and was for me in the regular season," Drury said. "Hopefully, it'll carry over into the playoffs."

Forsberg separated his shoulder in the penultimate regular-season game. Avalanche coach Bob Hartley said Tuesday that he is "still indefinite" for the playoffs, but added: "Things are looking good."

Drury acknowledged it took him time to make the adjustment from the regular season to the playoffs last year. He got off to a slow start and his ice time was reduced, but he bounced back and ended with six goals -- four of them game-winners -- and two assists in 19 playoff games.

"It's night and day, it's huge," Drury said of the difference between the regular season and the playoffs. "Everyone's finishing every check, and obviously the fans are into it more. You don't want to have a great couple of games and then disappear for the rest of a series."
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