"A best two-out-of-three series against the top team in the Western Conference, without home-ice advantage, might seem a tough predicament for a team. But Avalanche coach Joe Sacco said his young, inexperienced team can't help but feel good going into Game 5 on Thursday night against the San Jose Sharks.

"I like where we are in the series," Sacco said today, prior to the Avs' charter flight to San Jose. "I think our guys are doing a good job as far as competing and dealing with some adversity."

Some of the adversity is the team's ongoing injury problems. Veteran right wing Milan Hejduk will not make the trip to San Jose, Sacco said, with a probable head injury suffered in Game 3. Left wing Peter Mueller remains out with a concussion and also will not travel.

"Obviously, they're important players to our team, especially offensively," Sacco said. "But as we know, dealing with these kinds of injuries in the playoffs is common. But it's no excuse. We have other guys that have to step in, and some guys that are itching to get back in the lineup."