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Avalanche playoffs

Colorado Avalanche Off-Day Notebook

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Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche did not practice today, and are already in the air to Edmonton in preparation for Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference finals Saturday and Monday against the Oilers.

Last night’s game remains a work of art in my eyes, and today Jared Bednar acknowledged that it was one of the “best checking games we’ve played in a while.” Nathan MacKinnon had 11 shots on goal, while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had five combined.

I was not at the media availability at DIA this morning, and I know a lot of you are wondering about Darcy Kuemper’s status. A reporter on hand asked, right at the end of Bednar’s availability, “How’s Darcy doing?”

Bednar’s answer was “Darcy’s good.” No follow-up.

The question should have probably been, “Is there a chance Darcy could play tomorrow if needed?” I’m not sure the answer would have been any different, but it would have forced a more specific answer maybe.

Kuemper, I can confirm, was on the flight to Edmonton. We’ll just have to see what tomorrow brings.

NOTEBOOK

  • I think Pavel Francouz is going to start Game 3 no matter what, and why not? He’s coming off a 24-save shutout.
  • It seems like Kuemper’s injury isn’t serious.
  • That’s what it seems like anyway.
  • Our Ryan Boulding, who was at the media availability, said he saw Hunter Miska boarding the plane with others. Honestly, I can’t keep the Avs’ third goalie thing straight right now. One day it’s Justus Annunen, next day it’s Hunter Miska. Maybe they’re both going.
  • There doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with MacKinnon. He was shaking a hand and being looked at by the trainer last night, but there’s been nothing to indicate he’s hurt.
  • I like what Nicolas Aube-Kubel brought to the table last night. After being a scratch, he had a team-leading five hits last night.
  • There is no further word on the status of Andre Burakovsky, but he was seen limping pretty bad yesterday. He blocked a shot in Game 1 – and played on – but obviously things got worse overnight.
  • The view from Edmonton after two games. Yeah, they’re kind of worried up there (Edmonton Journal).
  • Colorado Hockey Now will be in Edmonton (via Calgary). I’ll be there and colleague Kelsey Hammond will also be there. I want thorough coverage. Terry Frei couldn’t make it. This trip was NOT cheap (it’s ridiculous, some of the price gouging going on in the travel industry right now – looking at you, rental car companies and airlines), so thanks for helping make it easier with some Avs Travel Tip Jar donations. The Tip Jar is still open if you want to chip in (link here). Thank you to the following people with recent donations: Brickhouse Creative, Matthew Getzelman, Myles Edwards.
  • I really hope I get to meet Ben Stelter up in Edmonton. If you don’t know his story, click here. He’s the toughest guy in the building, any night he’s at a game.

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