Valeri Nichushkin returns to the Colorado Avalanche lineup Wednesday night for the first time in nearly two months after recovering from a lower-body injury. The Russian forward will try to spark a sputtering Avalanche offense that’s scored two goals in back-to-back losses since coming back from the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin, who hasn't played since Dec. 31 due to a lower-body injury, will return against the Devils on Wednesday.

The Avs have also missed other key players for chunks of this season, but Nichushkin’s presence has been a difference-maker. Colorado is 14-7 when Nichushkin plays and 19-17-2 when he doesn’t this season.

The Avalanche are preparing to welcome Valeri Nichushkin back into their lineup for the first time since late December.

The Colorado Avalanche could be getting a big boost to their forward group as they look to snap a skid coming out of the 4 Nations break.