During Saturday’s playoff game against the Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper went down with an injury. At the end of the first period, Nashville forward Ryan Johansen‘s stick blade got caught in his facemask. Backup goalie Pavel Francouz finished the game, as Kuemper was ruled out.
COL coach Jared Bednar said Darcy Kuemper has “some swelling” around the eye, but it is not too serious. It is possible the goalie plays Monday in Game 4.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 7, 2022
Darcy Kuemper Injury Might Not Keep Him From Game 4
After the game, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar stated that Kuemper’s injury wasn’t serious. There is some swelling but he “remains a possibility to play in Game 4. According to Peter Baugh from The Athletic, Kuemper avoided a concussion or long-term injury.
The goaltender has performed well in this series, posting a 2-0 record, with a .941% save percentage. This is a relief for Colorado since he is crucial to Colorado’s playoff hopes. The Canadian player has been on a hot streak since January, posting a .921% save percentage and a 37-12-4 record in 57 games.
Avalanche Confident in Pavel Francouz
Backup goaltender Pavel Francouz stated that he feels like he can play behind his team. He helped the team secure the 6-3 win over the Predators, giving the Avalanche a 3-0 series lead. Francouz saved 18-20 shots, with both goals against coming on the power play.
Colorado defenseman Devon Toews stated that the Avs are “ready to go to battle” for Francouz. The goaltender has performed well while backing up Kuemper. He recorded a .916% save percentage and a 15-5-1 in 21 games. Before this season, Francouz hadn’t played since the 2020 playoffs due to injury. He has a career playoff record of 2-4-0 in 6 games, with a .892% save percentage.
Colorado’s defence has played well, only surrendering 8 goals through three games. The special teams have been a major boost as the Avalanche went 4/5 on the power play in Game 3. The penalty kill has been excellent, going 8/11 through the series. This should give Francouz some much-needed confidence.
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