Following the morning skate in preparation for Tuesday’s big game against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, Avalanche coach Patrick Roy had good news for his team that has lost three straight since beginning 14-2.

Leading scorer Matt Duchene might only miss two games with an oblique injury, and possibly play Saturday at the Los Angeles Kings. Roy said Duchene, who on Monday was ruled out for at least a week, will join the Avs on a two-game trip that begins Thursday at Phoenix and likely practice with the team.

Roy noted that it’s “November” with a long season ahead and the team won’t rush Duchene back, so the center might not return until next week against the visiting St. Louis Blues. But his recovery has been encouraging.

Rookie Nathan MacKinnon will replace Duchene against the Blackhawks, who will be without standout forward Marian Hossa. Hossa, who has nine goals in 19 games, has missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury.

Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mikechambers