The Colorado Avalanche are rolling, but their train appears to have been derailed.

Valeri Nichushkin, who carries the nickname “Chu Chu,” left Tuesday night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks in the third period with what coach Jared Bednar characterized as a lower-body injury. The Avalanche held an optional skate Wednesday afternoon that only a few players attended, none of whom were Nichushkin.

Bednar said that Nichushkin is off being evaluated by doctors, so he didn’t really have an update at the moment. After a bit more digging, he gave a little more information.

“He got evaluated in the room and he’s sore,” Bednar said. “They got to get imaging and all that kind of stuff today, so it’s definitely a concern. He’s not here today and left the game early last night, so he’s going to miss some time, I just don’t know how much.”

Bednar said the Avalanche should know more by Thursday, so there will likely be a more in-depth update at morning skate Thursday before the team hosts the Buffalo Sabres at Ball Arena.

Nichushkin has five goals and 12 points in 17 games this season.

Briefly

• Mackenzie Blackwood was the only goaltender on the ice at practice Wednesday, taking shots from the handful of players that skated. He’s going to start Thursday against the Sabres. Scott Wedgewood’s play has allowed them to ease him back into the lineup. “They’re both going to play a lot of games, and if we can use both of them for a while, that’s great by me,” Bednar said.
• Joel Kiviranta skated for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury Oct. 16. He’s still a ways off from returning.
• Sam Girard is nearing a return and is a possibility to get back into the lineup against the Sabres.