Kevin Porter

In a tradition which has continued for four years running, the Colorado Avalanche have once again been one of the NHL's most injury depleted through the first 40 games of the 2010-2011 NHL season.

Here's a run down of the Avalanche's injury situation:

- Kyle Cumiskey: Missed the last 28 games with a concussion

- T.J. Galiardi: Missed 17 games with a wrist injury

- Milan Hejduk: Missed 7 games with a groin injury

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, fans of the Colorado Avalanche should have a lot to be thankful for.

After all, despite being the youngest team in the NHL and battling through long term injuries to their starting goaltender and four of their top six defenseman, Colorado sits third in the Western Conference, leading the Northwest Division with 25 points.

The Colorado Avalanche have had a lot of issues with injuries so far this season.  With key players such as T.J. Galiardi, Peter Mueller and Kyle Cumiskey still out of action with various ailments, they have had to rely heavily on mid-season call-ups. 

If the Phoenix Coyotes want to consider themselves a serious threat in the Pacific Division, then this is the week to prove it.

The Coyotes will face division leader the San Jose Sharks twice this week. While the Sharks might be the division leader, the Coyotes haven’t lost to the Sharks all season.

In 38 games this season, the Sharks have scored 127 goals, which is tied for second place in the NHL. However, against the Coyotes the Sharks have only scored once.