CENTENNIAL, Colo. —  As the Colorado Avalanche sit and wait for their opponent, they continue to push the pace. Colorado enjoyed some rest and recovery before returning to the rink on Wednesday. Avalanche faced two primary considerations: player health and line how the lines would look. Wednesday would be a good time to judge how the team looks and any adjustments they will make going into Round Two.

Line changes

Practice involved slight adjustments to the power-play units. To my surprise, Scott Wedgewood practiced with the second unit instead of the first. Even though he had gotten all four starts, Mackenzie Blackwood practiced with the top unit. We also saw Sam Malinski placed on the second power-play unit. His improved offensive performance down the stretch, while Cale Makar was unavailable, likely contributed to the change.

As for the forward lines, Gabriel Landeskog took his normal spot on the second line. Ross Colton had started Game Four in the spot, but has seen no offensive production yet. Landeskog has a pair of goals in four games.

Noticeably absent

Josh Manson was absent from Wednesday’s practice, as head coach Jared Bednar told the press that he is day-to-day. Manson left Game Three in the second period after taking a nasty hit into the boards and has been out with an upper-body injury since. Bednar said on the radio Wednesday morning that every day the Avalanche are off only helps Manson get better.

Joel Kiviranta was also absent from practice. He has not played since Game Two, when Ross Colton replaced him in the lineup. The last time anyone saw him was before Game Three’s morning skate in an orange sweater. I believe he could be out of the lineup because of an injury.

This weekend will reveal Colorado’s opponent. The earliest they can play will be Sunday, with the Minnesota and Dallas series going to a minimum of five games.