Avalanche F John Mitchell, D Cory Sarich out with injuries in Game 1 against Wild

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche will be without forward John Mitchell and defenceman Cory Sarich in Game 1 of their playoff series against Minnesota on Thursday night.

Coach Patrick Roy said after the morning practice that Mitchell is out with a head injury and is "day-to-day." Sarich is sidelined with an aching back, but Roy said he's "feeling better."

Sarich hasn't played since April 1. Mitchell sat out the last two games of the regular season.

The Avalanche are already without leading scorer Matt Duchene, who missed the last eight games of the season after damaging the MCL in his left knee when he collided with a teammate.