Colorado Avalanche News

Igor Shesterkin is still sidelined with an ankle injury, so Georgiev will get the call for the second time in as many nights. He allowed three goals on 26 shots in last night's 4-3 victory over the Wild. Georgiev is now 3-2 with a .901 SV% over his last six appearances. He'll have to be at the top of his game tonight to out-duel a rested Elvis Merzlikins.

With Nazem Kadri out with a lower-body injury, Kamenev will play for the first time since January 20th. Kamenev, who will skate on the fourth line and likely PP2, has one goal and five assists (six points) in 23 games this season.

Francouz allowed three goals on 25 shots in Colorado's win over the Red Wings on January 20th. Philipp Grubauer has started the last four games but Francouz will start the second half of the back-to-back tonight in Minnesota. In his first start vs. the Wild, Francouz gave up five goals on 32 shots in a 6-4 loss.

Head coach Jeff Blashill said that Helm will miss tonight’s game in Columbus but did not disclose what type of injury that veteran is dealing with. Look for Brendan Perlini to replace him in the Red Wings’ lineup.

Georgiev allowed one goal on six shots in relief of Henrik Lundqvist vs. the Stars on Monday. Since Christmas, Georgiev has gone 3-3-0 with a 3.63 GAA and .893 SV% but draws an amazing matchup with the Sabres in town. They are coming off of a loss vs. the Red Wings last night and have lost five of their last six (1-4-1) while averaging 1.67 goals per game.

With Mark Giordano out for at least one week, Kylington will be back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch Tuesday vs. the Sharks. Kylington has one goal and three assists (four points) in 40 games this season.

Kiviranta has no points in seven NHL games but has 20 points (11G / 9A) in 38 AHL games this season. With Roope Hintz and Justin Dowling out, Kiviranta will be on the fourth line on Saturday.

Lehkonen missed practice the last two days and will be a game-time decision on Thursday. Monitor his status during the Canadiens' morning skate in Buffalo.

Drouin has been out since mid-November after undergoing wrist surgery on November 18th. Drouin practiced for the second straight day on Wednesday but will need a few more skates before returning to the lineup. Monitor his status heading into their back-to-back on Saturday/Sunday.