The Colorado Avalanche announced that goaltender Darcy Kuemper left Saturday’s game and would not return. It was late in the first period when Nashville Predators forward Ryan Johansen appeared to accidentally get his stick blade caught in Kuemper’s mask, forcing him to leave the game. He was replaced by Pavel Francouz and later confirmed not to be returning.
Losing Kuemper is nothing short of a major concern for the Avalanche, who acquired him this offseason from the Arizona Coyotes in order to bolster themselves in net ahead of another run at the Stanley Cup. Of course, it’s not yet clear what exactly the nature of Kuemper’s injury is or whether or not he will have to miss any additional time. However, an injury near the eye, especially of a goaltender, is concerning.
Kuemper has had some ups and downs for Colorado this season, but he ultimately posted a strong .921 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against average in 57 games. Should the Avs have to go forward with Francouz, they would still be in good hands. The Czech netminder posted nearly identical numbers to Kuemper this season in 21 games, recording a .916 save percentage and 2.55 goals-against average. Colorado’s situation is one their opponent can empathize with; Nashville lost its starting goaltender, Juuse Saros, ahead of the series, having to rely on a tandem of David Rittich and Connor Ingram.
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