Alex Tanguay is very close to returning to action. He has been out of the lineup since November 2nd with hip and knee injuries but had a pain free practice Friday and seems very close to getting game-participation clearance. Although there is no firm date for Tanguay's return, it looks like it could be next week sometime. Get ready to activate Tanguay if you need him.

Alex Tanguay (hip/knee) is getting close to returning to the lineup. He has resumed skating with his teammates and he still listed as day-to-day.

Alex Tanguay (hip/knee) practiced with his teammates in a non-contact role Thursday. "Right now, he's pacing himself. I'd say he's probably going at 60 or 70 percent," coach Patrick Roy said. "Next week, we want to see some strength in the knee and his hip, so next week he's going to push hard and we'll have a better indication whether he's capable or not of coming back." He has been out of action sine Nov. 2.

Alex Tanguay (hip) joined the Colorado Avalanche for their Wednesday morning skate. "He looked good," Avalanche coach Patrick Roy said of Tanguay. "It's good for us. As long as things are going well for him, we're behind him on this." If Tanguay suffers a setback, there's a real possibility that he'll end up undergoing season-ending hip surgery.

Alex Tanguay (hip) has skated for two consecutive days. Tanguay is attempting to avoid season-ending hip surgery. So far things have gone well, so he'll try to "push it harder," according to Avalanche coach Patrick Roy.

Alex Tanguay might still end up needing hip surgery. The plan right now is for Tanguay to try skating on Monday or Tuesday. If that works out, then he'll probably end up playing before the season's over. Otherwise, he'll have an operation. He has three goals and nine points in 13 games this season.

Alex Tanguay (knee/hip) may resume skating later this week. "Right now, he's making a lot of progress," coach Patrick Roy said. "He might skate after the Christmas break. We'll see how it goes. As we speak, he is not out for the year, because of the progress he has made in the past week." There's no timetable for his return, though. Tanguay suffered a related hip injury a couple of weeks ago, while he was recovering from a knee ailment.

Alex Tanguay received some treatment for his hip on Saturday and he is feeling better, according to coach Patrick Roy. He developed a hip ailment during his rehab for his knee injury and there's no timetable for his return. Tanguay hasn't played since Nov. 2 and he had nine points in 13 games prior to getting hurt.

In addition to Alex Tanguay's knee injury, he is now dealing with a related hip problem. Tanguay might need surgery as a result of this setback. He has been sidelined since Nov. 2 and remains out indefinitely. He has three goals and nine points in 13 contests this season.

Alex Tanguay (knee) isn't expected to return during the Avalanche's three-game road trip. Colorado will play in Edmonton on Thursday, Calgary on Friday, and Vancouver on Sunday. Tanguay didn't skate on Tuesday, but he's expected to be back on the ice Wednesday.