Avalanche have three games postponed due to COVID-19

The Colorado Avalanche were unable to avoid a COVID-19 pause this time around. 

On Friday, the NHL confirmed that Colorado's games scheduled for Friday and Sunday against the Los Angeles Kings and Tuesday at the St. Louis Blues have been postponed due to COVID-19 issues and concerns. 

"Pending test results in the coming days, it is expected that the Avalanche will be able to re-open their facilities for practice on Wednesday, April 21, with a return to game action on April 22 vs. St. Louis," the league added in its statement. 

The Avalanche canceled their planned morning skate for the second time in less than a week ahead of Wednesday's matchup at St. Louis because of coronavirus-related worries but nevertheless earned a 4-3 victory. Per The Athletic, though, goaltender Philipp Grubauer was placed on the league's COVID-19 protocol list before Wednesday's game, and coach Jared Bednar said that Grubauer will be sidelined at least 14 days. 

Three Avalanche players are now on the COVID-19 list as of Friday afternoon after the team scrapped another morning skate. Colorado sits first in the NHL West standings on 64 points, four ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights. 

The Vancouver Canucks still haven't played since March 24 due to a COVID-19 outbreak that included a known 25 people testing positive for the virus and have had their return to play delayed into the weekend. It's hoped Vancouver can resume its campaign on Sunday.