NUMBERS GAME

46 shots by the Avalanche were the most faced by Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson this season. Roloson also made a season-high 43 saves.

STARS OF TOMORROW

University of Michigan center T.J. Hensick, a Hobey Baker Award finalist, is one of five Avalanche draft picks taking part in the NCAA West Regional hockey tournament this weekend at the Pepsi Center.

It's possible that Hensick, a senior, could leave school once the Wolverines' season ends to sign with the Avalanche and spend some time in the minors before heading to training camp in the fall.

Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere said that decision would be left entirely to Hensick.

The other Avalanche draft picks in Denver: Michigan sophomore goalie Billy Sauer and three players from the University of Minnesota - freshman forward Mike Carman, junior defenseman Derek Peltier and sophomore center Ryan Stoa.

STUFFED BALLOT BOX

Maybe it's just wishful thinking on the part of Oilers fans, but 78 percent of respondents to an Edmonton Sun online poll said the Avalanche will pass the Calgary Flames for the final Western Conference playoff position.

The Flames, of course, always have been the Oilers' biggest rivals.

HE SAID IT

"It's not enough for us right now."

Milan Hejduk, after the Avalanche gained one point with a shootout loss Friday.