I write with some general good news for the Colorado Avalanche fans today. There have been two high-intensity practices in a row. The team, I believe, is starting to feel some self-imposed pressure. As the Avalanche have dropped the last four games, the pressure is coming from the fans as well. They are slowly starting to make their way back to a healthy roster, with key pieces coming on the road trip this weekend. One of those players is Pavel Francouz.
Pavel Francouz
The backup goalie has been officially listed on the injured reserve as of yesterday. There was no word if was a retroactive listing, but Francouz is traveling with the team to Vancouver. He has not played in a game since December 13th and then over the holiday break he came back with a lower-body injury. Alexandar Georgiev has been carrying a large load, playing nine games in a row while Francouz has been injured. Jonas Johansson has been called to duty in the meantime while he gets completely healthy.
Today, while at practice, Francouz was seen doing a lot of stretching and taking shots for the first time since his injury. He only took about six shots off of Valeri Nichushkin and Evan Rodrigues, but it is progress. Georgiev is starting to show some wear, as coach Bednar does not want to use Johansson if he does not need to. Francouz looks as though he has struggled so far this year, but his stats say otherwise. He still has a .913 save percentage and only allows 2.80 goals per game. So it would be ideal to get him back as soon as possible to give that much need break to Georgiev.
Other Injuries
Nichushkin and Rodrigues will be traveling with the team as well. They practiced separately from the main group with Francouz and Josh Manson. The defenseman will stay behind to work with the skating coach and get back into shape since he has not played in over a month. It is believed that the injury afflicting Rodrigues could be a wrist injury. He has been seen with a brace on his wrist after the slash that he got during the Toronto game on New Year’s Eve.
There is light at the end of the tunnel as I keep saying. Players are getting hurt, but players are making their way back. Jared Bednar has learned how to adjust to all of the players missing and is teaching the young ones how to play better. To anyone who doubts Bednar, he has a proven track record of success at every level.
Projected Lineup
Forwards
Lehkonen-MacKinnon-Rantanen
Newhook-Compher-Malgin
Cogliano-Meyers-O’Connor
MacDermid- Helm-Kaut
(Red non-contact) Nichushkin-Rodrigues
Defense
Makar-Toews Girard-Johnson
Englund-Hunt
MacDonald-Manson
Goalies
Georgiev
Johansson
Francouz
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