The Colorado Avalanche got another piece of injury news as they’ve ruled Andrew Cogliano out indefinitely. Cogliano is out with a fractured neck that he suffered in Game 6. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news early Saturday night.
Colorado’s Andrew Cogliano suffered a fractured neck in the hit from behind last night in Game 6 versus Seattle. He’s out indefinitely
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 29, 2023
Andrew Cogliano Out with Neck Injury
The veteran forward was injured in Game 6 after getting a hit from behind from Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle. Cogliano went into the boards during the second period of the Avalanche’s Game 6 win. He went down the tunnel, but returned for the third period of the game. Eberle was assessed a two-minute minor. However, no other disciplinary action has been taken as of press time.
Cogliano has been the centre of Colorado’s third line with Matt Nieto and Logan O’Connor. The veteran pivot had 10 goals and nine assists for 19 points in 79 games during the 2022-23 campaign. He’s yet to get a point in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season with the Avalanche.
Head coach Jared Bednar expressed frustration with the inconsistency in the officiating. Colorado defenceman Cale Makar was suspended for a hit on Jared McCann earlier in the series.
“I don’t know,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told reporters when discussing the league’s decision to not have a disciplinary hearing for Eberle. “I can’t figure it out anymore, so I don’t even try.”
What Andrew Cogliano Being Out Means
The Avs will have to make due without the Toronto native in the lineup. Alex Newhook will likely get moved up to the third line to replace Cogliano. Newhook had 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 82 games.
The lack of any discipline also might raise some red flags with the lack of consistency from the Department of Player Safety. Some of the punishments or non-punishments have been questionable in the playoffs. Hockey is the fastest team game on the planet and the officials are usually good. However, DPOS has hand out punishment when warranted.
Main photo by: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
