Darcy Kuemper Returns Against Rangers Tonight

As I alluded to a couple days ago, Darcy Kuemper will make his return in goal for the Avalanche tonight against the New York Rangers. The team announced that the veteran is good to go again.

Kuemper missed four games, after taking a puck to the head from a shot at the Avs’ morning skate in Toronto last week. In those four games, goalies Jonas Johansson and Justus Annunen allowed 20 goals. Yet, the Avs found a way to get five of a possible eight points in them.

The Rangers, by the way, are missing top goalie Igor Shesterkin to injury. His absence lately hasn’t slowed the Rangers any, as they have won seven in a row and are 9-1-0 in their last 10 games, under new coach Gerard Gallant and GM Chris Drury.

I’m hearing that the Avs plan to recall Pavel Francouz from the Colorado Eagles later this week. Frankie posted a 27-save shutout for the Eagles on Saturday night. It’s possible the team will keep three goalies on the roster, but I doubt it. If they want to send Johansson back down to the minors, though, he’d have to pass through waivers.

Francouz seems fully healed from his sprained ankle. I saw him play over the weekend, and he looked very quick side-to-side.

The game is on the NHL Network.