Avalanche's Matt Duchene to start skating Monday, will make trip to Minnesota

Sunday's news regarding injured forward Matt Duchene should provide the Colorado Avalanche with a confidence boost as they get set to hit the road for their series against the Wild.

Duchene is set to begin skating on Monday and will make the trip to Minnesota where the Avalanche look to extend their 2-0 series lead.

Head coach Patrick Roy has already ruled him out for the first round. But the fact that Duchene was seen walking "briskly" by Denver Post reporter Terry Frei on Sunday is a good indication that he'll be ready for the second round.

And if the Avs can sweep the series, coupled with an extended series between possible second round opponents -- Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues -- Duchene should be afforded the appropriate time to recover.