The Avalanche advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2001 and they did so without their starting goaltender.
Starter Darcy Kuemper left during the second period against the Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final and he did not return for the rest of the series.
He appeared to go over to the bench, talk to coach Jared Bednar and leave the ice. The team later announced that he had an upper-body injury and was "doubtful" to return.
Darcy Kuemper has left the game with an upper body injury and is doubtful to return.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 1, 2022
Backup Pavel Francouz came into the game in relief of Kuemper where he allowed three goals on 21 shots, but was able to help the team secure the win. It was Francouz in the starter's crease for Games 2, 3 and 4 as well, securing wins in all three, including a 24-save shutout in Game 2.
At the time of his injury, Kuemper was 6-2 in the postseason in 10 starts with a 2.65 GAA and a .897 save percentage. On the other hand, Francouz improved to 6-0 with a 2.86 GAA and a .906 save percentage.
STANLEY CUP FINAL PREVIEW: Avalanche vs. Lightning
When will Darcy Kuemper return?
Despite his absence in the conference finals, Kuemper is primed to return for the final series. Justus Annunen was the backup to Francouz in Games 2 and 3 against Edmonton, but Kuemper dressed as the backup in Game 4, signaling he would be ready for action if called upon.
The 32-year-old said that he's "100%" and ready to go for the finals against the Lightning.
Darcy Kuemper says he's 100 percent.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 9, 2022
Bednar confirmed that again on media day on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Game 1.
Joe Sakic: “Darcy (Kuemper) is 100 percent healthy now.”
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 14, 2022
Bednar would not state who the starter is for Game 1 ahead of the contest, but Kuemper was in the starter's crease, signaling he'll be going toe-to-toe against the Lightning.
Darcy Kuemper is in the net usually used by starters. I’d expect him to start Game 1 of the #StanleyCup.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 15, 2022
SCF SCHEDULE: Dates, times, TV channels for Avalanche-Lightning
When is Game 1 of the Avalanche-Lightning Stanley Cup Final?
Game 1 of the Avalanche-Lightning Stanley Cup Final is Wednesday, June 15, at 8 p.m. ET. It will take place at Ball Arena in Denver.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game nationally on ESPN. The Canadian audience can watch the game on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel (U.S.) | TV channel (Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Avalanche vs. Lightning | 8 p.m. | ESPN | Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports |
