Key Injuries Hamper Avs

Colorado Avalanche right wing Adam Deadmarsh will be out indefinitely and center Chris Drury will miss six to eight weeks after they were injured in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Vancouver.

Drury apparently sprained his left knee in a collision with Vancouver's Matt Cooke along the boards. He is expected to make a full recovery, the Avalanche said.

Drury, 24, was the NHL Rookie of the Year in 1998-99 and the Avalanche's leading scorer so far this season with five goals and 12 assists.

The team said Deadmarsh, 25, received a concussion when Vancouver defenseman Ed Jovanovski hit him during a fight. Deadmarsh crumpled to the ice and looked groggy as teammates helped him to the dressing room. He did not return to the game.

Deadmarsh had given Colorado a 3-2 lead with his fourth goal of the season just 20 seconds before the fight.

Doctors examined the pair Thursday.

©2000 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed