Pavel Francouz will make his second outing of the postseason in the second game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has confirmed that first-team starter Darcy Kuemper will not be available for Thursday’s game.
Kuemper confirmed by Bednar.
– Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 2, 2022
Kuemper marched in the second period of his team’s 8-6 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday with an upper body injury. Francouz, who last played in the Colorado first-round series against the Nashville Predators, made 18 stops in 21 relief shots.
On Wednesday, Bendar said “We’ll see” when asked about Kuemper’s recovery schedule. He allowed three goals in 13 shots before leaving with the injury.
“I have a lot of faith [Francouz]. Our team too, “Bednar said after the first game.” So having a guy like that is obviously key. Look through the playoffs at how many teams are on their second and third of some teams trying to survive. You have to have a goalkeeper capable of more than one boy, and we have it. “
Francouz, 31, improved 3-0 in the postseason with Tuesday’s win, with a .889 savings percentage and a 3.59 GAA in three appearances and a starter. He had a 15-5-1 record during the regular season with a .916 savings percentage and a 2.55 GAA.
Kuemper, 32, has a 6-2 record in the playoffs with a savings percentage of .897 and an average of 2.65 goals against. It was 37-12-4 during the regular season with a .921 savings percentage and a 2.54 GAA.