Nichushkin makes season debut for Avalanche in loss to Capitals
DENVER -- Valeri Nichushkin made his season debut for the Colorado Avalanche in a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals at Ball Arena on Friday. The 29-year-old forward had been in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program since May 13, which included being suspended without pay for a minimum of six months.