May 31, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) defends the net against the Edmonton Oilers in the first period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Avalanche's Darcy Kuemper exits Game 1 with upper-body injury, doubtful to return

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Mike Gould | Last updated 5/31/22

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper exited Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers after suffering an upper-body injury during the second period.

The Avalanche subsequently announced that Kuemper is doubtful to return to the game. Pavel Francouz replaced Kuemper in goal for Colorado.

Darcy Kuemper has left the game with an upper body injury and is doubtful to return.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 1, 2022

Kuemper, 32, allowed three goals on 16 shots in 27:19 before being replaced by Francouz. The Saskatoon product entered Tuesday’s action with a 6–2–0 record and a .904 save percentage in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. During the regular season, Kuemper went 37–12–4 with a .921 save percentage.

Francouz has proven himself a capable fill-in since joining the Avalanche in 2018–19. The 31-year-old goaltender went 15–5–1 with a .916 save percentage in 2021–22 and has two wins in two playoff appearances with Colorado this year.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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