Avs’ Liles sidelined for Flames game

By Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 20, 2007 at 3:40 p.m.
Updated November 20, 2007 at 3:40 p.m.

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CALGARY, Alberta — CALGARY ‑ For the first time in his career, Avalanche defenseman John-Michael Liles was tabbed as a healthy scratch for tonight’s game against the Calgary Flames.

Liles, one of the last players to leave the ice after the team’s morning skate, was benched after posting a minus-2 rating in back-to-back road losses against Dallas and Minnesota.

“Not fun, but I’ve got to play better and come back better,”’ he said. “That’s all you can do. The responsibility’s on me to play better. … It’s always a little bit surprising when you’re told you’re going to sit out. At the same time, it’s something that will motivate me.’’

With defenseman Karlis Skrastins activated from injured reserve, coach Joel Quenneville had to make a move on his blue line. He said Liles was one of several candidates to sit out against Calgary.

“We don’t expect Johnny to be a candidate going forward,’’ Quenneville said. “We want him to be a part of our team and a regular part of it to help us out.’’

Liles, who has missed 14 games because of injury in four NHL seasons, has two goals, five assists and a plus-3 rating in 19 games. He spent several minutes with Quenneville during the morning skate, but it was predominantly a one-sided conversation.

“Just be ready to go on Thursday (against Edmonton) is the message,’’ Liles said. “Not playing the game is a big enough message.’’

Also Tuesday, the Avalanche recalled forward Cody McCormick from the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League and assigned defenseman Jeff Jillson to Lake Erie.

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