CLICHE GETS HIS OPPORTUNITY IN SECOND NHL GAME

Marc-André Cliche has more than 300 games of pro hockey experience. Only one of them, however, has been in the NHL.

That number changed to two Friday night, when Cliche skated for the Avalanche, collecting an assist in its 3-1 win against the Nashville Predators at the Pepsi Center.

With Avs captain Gabe Landeskog out on a day-to-day basis with a leg injury, the Avs moved John Mitchell from fourth-line center to left wing on a line with Paul Stastny and Alex Tanguay, and Cliche took on Mitchell’s former role.

“I’m pretty nervous, actually. I didn’t get much sleep last night,” said Cliche (pronounced “Klish”) before the game. “I’m just excited to get in and get a chance to show what I can do.”

Cliche was drafted 56th overall by the New York Rangers in 2005 but has spent most of his pro career in the Los Angeles Kings organization. Unfortunately for him, he spent almost all of it with the team’s AHL affiliate in Manchester, N.H.

Cliche had some good years with theMonarchs, serving as team captain the past four seasons. But the Kings never seemed to have an opening for him, save for one game he played in the 2009-10 season, against the Dallas Stars.

“I think I’m defensive-minded first, but can create chances by getting in on the forecheck,” Cliche said.

Cliche, 26, likely will spend some time on the penalty-killing unit as well, coach Patrick Roy said.

Landeskog out.

Roy said Landeskog will resume skating Sunday and will travel with the team on its three-game road trip next week.

Roy said Landeskog was feeling “much better” than he did Thursday.

Nick Holden and Matt Hunwick were healthy scratches for the Avs. … Defenseman RyanWilson (knee) remains on track to return next week. The Avs hope he’ll return Saturday atWashington against the Capitals.

Footnotes.