BUFFALO, N.Y. — He was supposed to miss three to four weeks because of an ankle injury. But Matt Duchene will only end up having missed nine days when he returns to the Avalanche lineup Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils.

That was the surprising news that came out of this morning’s Avalanche skate-around at First Niagara Center, where the Avs will play the Buffalo Sabres tonight.

Duchene, who suffered a right ankle injury March 6, skated with the team today and, though he won’t play tonight, coach Joe Sacco said he was available to do so. Instead, Sacco said the team will give Duchene another day of rest before playing him against the Devils.

“His ankle was feeling better, so he skated (Tuesday) for about 40 minutes on his own. The plan is to play him tomorrow night if all goes accordingly,” Sacco said.

Sacco said Duchene did not suffer a high ankle sprain, which made for a faster-than-expected recovery.

The Avs continue to be in essentially a must-win mode every night, with the race so tight in the Western Conference for the final playoff spots. They will face a hot Sabres team that is 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.

Semyon Varlamov will start in net for the Avs against Buffalo’s Ryan Miller.

Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com