It's been a frustrating year for Colorado Avalanche fans, so it's only natural to feel excited about the possible return of Peter Forsberg. But would his comeback really be about helping the middling Avalanche make a push for the playoffs down the stretch? "It's either hockey's most beautiful, ongoing relationship or, as some people are starting to wonder, its most dysfunctional and dually enabled," writes Sports Illustrated. "One thing is clear even in 2011: The Colorado Avalanche and Peter Forsberg just can't quit each other." It's been nearly three years since Forsberg's last NHL game, and his notoriously fragile body may not hold up.

Then again, the Avalanche could use some positive energy right now. They're tied with Chicago and San Jose at 56 points, but they sit in ninth place in the Western Conference—out of the playoff picture (full standings via NHL.com). They're in St. Louis to take on the Blues tonight, a team they've beaten twice on the road this year. But the Avs will be shorthanded, notes CBS Sports, which runs through the injured list. The Denver Post reports Colorado will also be without winger David Jones, who is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.