Pavel Francouz will start Game 2 for the Avalanche as Darcy Kuemper is out with an upper-body injury
Pavel Francouz will make the start in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final for the Colorado Avalanche.
According to Peter Baugh of The Athletic, Darcy Kuemper wasn’t on the ice for Colorado’s morning skate and Francouz was joined by third-string goaltender Justus Annunen.
Two goalies are on the ice for #Avs morning skate: Pavel Francouz and Justus Annunen.
Darcy Kuemper isn’t on the ice. Looks like it’s Francouz’s net tonight for Game 2. pic.twitter.com/W5z6Zjuhsa
Kuemper started Game 1, allowed three goals on 16 shots, and was pulled seven minutes into the second period with what was later said to be an upper-body injury. Kuemper also skated to Colorado’s bench multiple times during the game with what appeared to be an equipment issue.
Francouz came into the game in relief, stopped 18 of 21 shots, and earned the win as the Avs skated away with an 8-6 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was tight-lipped on Wednesday as Kuemper wasn’t on the ice for the team’s optional practice. When asked about Kuemper’s status for Game 2, Bednar said “We’ll see. I don’t know yet.”
Francouz played in 21 games for the Avs during the regular season and posted a .916 save percentage. He has an .891 save percentage over the course of nine playoff games in his NHL career.