May 3, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) defends the net the second period of game one against the Nashville Predators of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Avalanche take 3-0 series lead over Predators, but lose goalie Darcy Kuemper to injury

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/7/22

The Colorado Avalanche are on the verge of a trip to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a 7-3 win Saturday against the Nashville Predators that has the team one win away from a series sweep. But the celebration was stunted by the loss of goaltender Darcy Kuemper to an eye injury.

Kuemper, 31, exited late in the first period Saturday when the stick of Predators center Ryan Johansen went through his mask and hit his right eye.

Oh no. Here's what happened to Darcy Kuemper. Looks like a stick to the eye.

Francouz in net for the Avs. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/FzAP7x4WX1
— Richie Cozzolino (@RichieCozz) May 7, 2022

Fortunately for Colorado, coach Jared Bednar told reporters after the game that the injury isn't expected to keep Kuemper out long. He even said it's possible that the goalie could return Monday for Game 4.

"We'll get him further evaluated, but he's got some swelling there," Bednar said of Kuemper. "Obviously he was unable to return, but hopefully he's doing good and he's able to get back in there."

Kuemper was acquired by the Avalanche in a 2021 trade with the Arizona Coyotes. He started 57 games for Colorado in the regular season and made a career-high 1,616 saves. He allowed only three goals in the first two games of the series against the Predators.

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