Darcy Kuemper Leaves Game 1 with Upper-Body Injury

For the second time in these NHL playoffs, Darcy Kuemper was forced from a game early tonight. In the latter part of the second period, Kuemper left the game for what was described by the Colorado Avalanche as an upper-body injury.

Pavel Francouz relieved Kuemper, as the Avs held a 7-4 lead after two periods at press time.

Darcy Kuemper took a couple of shots into his facemask, and it’s very possible that’s where the injury occurred. But nothing is official.

Kuemper may have a tough time getting his starting job back even if he emerges healthy from this right away. He did not look good in the time he played, and he entered Game 1 with a .904 save percentage in the postseason – not a good percentage for a starting goalie.

Francouz made a couple of great saves toward the end of the second period, with the Oilers on the power play, to preserve the 7-4 lead.

This story will be updated as news develops…

No further prognosis on Kuemper by Jared Bednar. Hints that he might miss some time though

— Adrian Dater (@adater) June 1, 2022

I was told by a source the injury might be an aggravation to the right eye – at least in some way. We won’t know for sure. I’d be surprised if he plays in Game 2, but we’ll see.