Alex Tanguay to return Friday after missing 36 games

Colorado Avalanche forward Alex Tanguay will rejoin his team after missing 36 games with a hip injury. Friday is the expected return against the Florida Panthers, although head coach Patrick Roy notes he will have to be pain-free to play.

This excerpt from Mike Chambers at the Denver Post explains the Avalanche`s current situation.

The Avs are seemingly at full strength at forward for the first time since Tanguay's Nov. 2 injury, but coach Patrick Roy cautioned that Tanguay needs a pain-free Friday morning skate before he is cleared to play.