For the second time this postseason, the Avalanche have to turn to backup goaltender Pavel Francouz to start a game.
Starter Darcy Kuemper left during the second period of Tuesday's crazy 8-6 win over the Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. He appeared to go over to the bench, talk to coach Jared Bednar and leave the ice.
The team later announced that he had a lower-body injury and was "doubtful" to return.
Darcy Kuemper appears hurt and goes to the dressing room. Pavel Francouz is in.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 1, 2022
Darcy Kuemper has left the game with an upper body injury and is doubtful to return.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 1, 2022
Kuemper left the game having allowed three goals on 16 shots before he was forced out with the injury. Francouz came into the game in relief of the starter, allowing three goals on 21 shots, but was able to help the team secure the win.
Kuemper's status going forward remains up in the air, but he's been a key part to Colorado's run to the Western Conference Final. He's 6-2 this postseason in 10 starts with a 2.65 GAA and a .897 save percentage.
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When will Darcy Kuemper return?
The timetable for a Kuemper return is still unknown at this point.
What we do know is that Kuemper was on the ice on Monday ahead of Game 4, along with Francouz and Justus Annunen, ahead of their matchup against the Oilers.
Darcy Kuemper is on the ice for the start of morning skate, along with Pavel Francouz and Justus Annunen.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 6, 2022
Bednar did not either confirm or deny if Kuemper would be available for Game 4, leaving the door available for a potential return.
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Who is the starting goaltender for the Avalanche in Game 4?
If Kuemper is out for Game 4, the Avs will have to turn to Francouz to start.
It's not the first time the Czech goaltender will be called upon by the Avs this postseason. When Kuemper was hurt in Game 3 of the Predators series, Francouz came in and was able to secure a victory in that contest. He also got the start in Game 4, stopping 28 of 31 shots against and grabbing the series-clinching win.
Francouz recorded a shutout in Game 2 to secure the win and also got the victory in Game 3, stopping 27 of the 29 shots he faced. He can go for a fourth-straight win on Monday if Kuemper is not available.
When do the Avalanche and Oilers play next?
Game 4 of the Avalanche-Oilers series is Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game nationally on TNT. The Canadian audience can view the game on Sportsnet.
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel (U.S.) | TV channel (Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 4 | Oilers vs. Avalanche | 8 p.m. | TNT | Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports |
