Joe Sakic has helped lead a tremendous turnaround by the Colorado Avalanche. At the beginning of the season, the Avs were the laughing stock of the league thanks to a horrendous losing streak. Talk of breaking up the squad that won the Stanley Cup just three seasons ago was all the rage.

But Colorado has made a strong comeback and is once again a favorite to take home the Stanley Cup. Sakic, the team captain, has done his part by scoring timely goals and showing his team the will to win. Sakic recently sat down with reporters for a chat about his team's season and his strong play:

Q: I was just wondering if you could comment on Patrick Roy's recent play? He started off 0-6-1. What is he doing differently?

JOE SAKIC: I don't really know what he is doing differently, but I think he is just playing with a lot more confidence now. He had a tough start, but I think he had one game -- we lost a game in Toronto, but he really stood on his head. That got him confidence. Ever since he has been terrific.

Q: I am just curious if you can talk a little bit about what a difference Sandis Ozolinsh has made in terms of rushing the puck, getting the puck up quicker to the forwards, and just his general effect on the team?

JS: Well, I just think everybody was so pumped up when he got back. He is such a big part of this team and he is a great guy, so I just think everybody was excited to have him back. And the way he plays the game, it really opens up the ice for the forwards. You know he is going to play 20-25 minutes a game, and in that time you are always going to have that fourth guy coming in late in the play or even leading the rush, he is so good at that. So he just really does open up the game and creates space for the forwards.

Q: Joe, you missed the All-Star Game this year and there were other great players who didn't make it. Did you see that as a slight? Did it motivate you at all?

JS: Not really. I got injured for parts of December and there were a lot of great players that didn't make it, so, it wasn't a snub or anything to me. I had a great, great All-Star weekend. It was great just to get a break.

Q: Do you take pride in maybe your defensive game that people don't pay much attention to?

JS: I like to play well in my end. That is one thing over the years that you have to be better at and that is something that I try and concentrate on when the puck is our end. I try not to cheat and try to be more responsible there.

Q: Can you talk a little bit about playing with Peter (Forsberg) and what kind of responsibility you are looking from (Milan) Hejduk up there on that line with you? You guys have had a lot of success even though it started out as an experiment. Looks like you two will stick around for a while.

JS: We hope so. It has worked out really well. I just think, especially in an offensive zone, the cycling, and as long as you have good support for one another, you make those little 10-foot passes, it can really open things up. Milan has been great with us as well. He is great with the puck and has got a quick shot, so, it has been fun playing on that line.

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