"Avalanche winger Milan Hejduk missed his first game of the season Sunday with a back injury. His absence was a surprise, given that he practiced Saturday and participated in Sunday's pregame skate.

Hejduk, who on Friday played in his 800th career game, entered Sunday tied as Colorado's second-leading scorer with 14 points (seven goals). He was replaced by T.J. Hensick, who played for just the fifth time this season and scored a power-play goal.

Coach Joe Sacco said he doesn't know how or when Hejduk was injured, or when he is expected back.

"He took warm-up but wasn't able to play," Sacco said.

Also scratched were Avs defensemen John-Michael Liles (shoulder) and Tom Preissing (knee)."