The value of Valeri Nichushkin on display for Avs since his return from player assistance program

DENVER (AP) — Valeri Nichushkin is lifting the Colorado Avalanche after taking the time to help himself. The hard-charging, fast-moving Russian forward was gone for nearly two months of the regular season as he received care from the NHLPA/NHL Player Assistance Program for issues that were not disclosed. This was on the heels of missing the final five games of a playoff loss last season for what the team explained as personal reasons. When he is on the ice, Nichushkin is a goal-scoring force. Es