"He is officially listed as "very doubtful" to play Game 6 tonight against the San Jose Sharks. But the fact Avalanche left wing Peter Mueller skated for the first time in nearly three weeks Friday — and that the Avs left a tiny crack open in the door that he could play — might serve as optimism entering what could be the final game of the Avs' season.

A team in desperate need of offense would gladly welcome back Mueller, who was the hottest Avalanche when he suffered a concussion April 4 against San Jose on a hit from Rob Blake.

Mueller, who had 20 points in 15 games for the Avs before being injured, skated on his own Friday. In the shadowy world of NHL injury information in the playoffs, word on his condition was just as sketchy. But there was hope Mueller could do a Willis Reed impersonation and surprise everyone with an appearance.

Unfortunately for the Avs, no such hope exists for right wing Milan Hej-duk (head), who has been ruled out.

It doesn't matter to Avs coach Joe Sacco who suits up in the burgundy and blue. He expects nothing less than a player's best effort of the season.

"We'll come out and play the type of game that we have all season long when our backs are against the wall. I don't see anything changing," Sacco said. "We have to play well enough to force a Game 7. Obviously, we just want to keep the focus on the game (tonight), but we have to play well enough to force Game 7."