TAMPA, Fla. — Forwards Ben Guite and Darcy Tucker returned to the Avalanche lineup after extended absences.

Tucker missed 11 games because of a sprained left knee, while Guite sat out 17games recovering from a rib-cage injury.

“It was one of those injuries that just doesn’t end,” said Guite, who played 79 of 82 games last season. “Mentally, it was more of a challenge for me to (sit out) than the actual pain.”

Guite and Tucker returned six days after the Avalanche got defenseman Adam Foote back from knee and back problems. Colorado remains without captain Joe Sakic (back, hand) and forwards Marek Svatos (groin) and Brian Willsie (knee).

“It’s nice to get guys back in,” coach Tony Granato said. “(Guite and Tucker) have worked hard the last couple weeks to try and be ready for this opportunity.”

GUYS WEEKEND OUT

The Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla., area is home to thousands of retirees, so it hardly was strange to see some older gentlemen wandering around the dressing room after the morning skate.

Fathers of the Avalanche players and coaching staff joined the team for the Florida swing of a four-game trip that ends Sunday in the Fort Lauderdale area.

“It’s great for the players,’’ said Granato, whose 66-year-old father, Don, is on the trip. “All the things we did in the game of hockey are because of the people that are with us.”