Darcy Kuemper eye is OK, may start Game 4

Good news, from Jared Bednar just now: The scary right eye injury that forced Darcy Kuemper to leave Game 3 yesterday in Nashville turned out to be not a big deal.

In fact, Bednar said, Kuemper might even start Game 4 against the Predators Monday night in a potential closeout game at Bridgestone Arena.

“His eye, luckily, is fine, after further evaluation last night,” Bednar said at the Avalanche’s optional practice at Bridgestone Arena. “He’s got some swelling. He’s a possibility for tomorrow if the swelling goes down.”

For insurance, though, the Avs recalled Justus Annunen from the Colorado Eagles, which…doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense to me, given how Hunter Miska was/is already in Nashville. But, whatever, that’s the situation. I guess they might want Annunen as the actual backup in the game if Frankie starts, but that’s my speculation. Miska also is with the team, though – and the Colorado Eagles are in the midst of a playoff series of their own.

“We don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” Bednar said of Annunen’s recall. “If the swelling goes down, then (Kuemper) will be able to play. If it doesn’t, then he’ll be out.”

The question is: should Kuemper play, even if he can? Or, should he get some time off and rest up more?

You never want to give the opposing team new life in a playoff series, but I would be OK if Kuemper got a night off. I think the Avs will win if Frankie is in net, as the Predators just aren’t a very good team right now. Since the second period of their final game in Arizona, Nashville has been outscored 21-6 in the last four games.

Let’s hear your thoughts on the matter…

Ryan Johansen: "Obviously, I hope everyone knows there was zero intention of something like that happening. It was a freak accident. It definitely put a smile on my face hearing that it could only be a little scratch and some swelling. I was definitely happy to hear that"

— Adrian Dater (@adater) May 8, 2022