"Avalanche coach Joe Sacco confirmed Tuesday that backup goalie Peter Budaj, who missed his scheduled first start of the season Friday because of illness, has been diagnosed with swine flu, the H1N1 virus.

"We've taken the necessary steps, the necessary precautions, to keep him away from the guys at the right time," Sacco said. "Hopefully, he'll be joining us on this trip."

Avalanche general manager Greg Sherman said Tuesday that before the season, the team's medical and training staff formulated a conditional plan that would kick in if any players were diagnosed with H1N1. He said that plan — primarily involving isolation for any stricken player and additional preventive medications for the others — had gone into effect. The Avalanche players previously were given season flu shots.

Sherman said he was confident the Avalanche had the situation under control — "knock on wood," he said — but would be carefully monitoring developments.

The Avalanche plays Calgary tonight, San Jose on Friday and Vancouver on Sunday on this trip."