Avs Move Practice Time Up So They Can Watch U.S. Vs. Canada In Sochi

DENVER (CBS4) - After 10 days off, the Colorado Avalanche, minus their Olympians, got back to work Thursday morning. Head Coach Patrick Roy worked the team hard. If fact, the practice almost had a training camp feel to it.

"It looked like that, didn't it? But you know what? It was good. It was guys working hard and it is just to get our conditioning back," Roy said. "To me, the important part is just to make sure that we keep working on details and we apply those details really well and no bad habits."

The practice was probably a little jolt of reality for players like right winger P.A. Parenteau.

"I went to the Bahamas for six nights. I think a lot of guys went back home," Parenteau said. "It's something pretty unique to have 10 days off. Hopefully it won't be too bad for a hockey team."

The Avs have moved Friday's practice up to 9 a.m. so the team can watch the U.S. and Canada in the semifinals in Sochi.

"I'm kind of bummed out that it's going to be U.S. and Canada in the semis. I think everyone wants to see that a gold medal game," defenseman Erik Johnson said. "You want to see U.S.A. bring home the gold."

"I am going to have to go with Canada 3-1. That's my wager on it," Parenteau said.

"I will love to see a tied game, I guess it won't happen … it's great for our game … I'm sure it's going to be very entertaining," Roy said.