Burakovsky a “possiblity” for Avalanche in Game 5

Andre Burakovsky is a “possibility” to play for the Avalanche in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final tonight at Ball Arena.

So said Jared Bednar at his brief morning press avail. That’s all he said.

“Yeah, he’s a possibility for tonight,” he said.

Burakovsky did skate this morning in a regular jersey, handling pucks too. He suffered what is believed to be a hand injury after blocking a shot by Victor Hedman in Game 2.

Otherwise, not a lot else to report. Nathan MacKinnon and Gabe Landeskog didn’t take part in the morning skate, but Bednar said that was just for maintenance reasons.

The Avalanche, obviously, can become Stanley Cup champions with one more win tonight, or over the next potential three games.

How does Bednar view his team, vis a vis nerves and anxiousness for tonight?

“We have to focus on the process to have success. We know what we need to do to be successful. It’s a big opportunity for us. Exciting game, exciting moment. I want us to use our nervous energy to come out and play with passion, get on our toes and get on the attack.”

Darcy Kuemper will start in goal for the Avalanche. If Burakovsky plays, it’s likely Nico Sturm to come out of the lineup, but we’ll see.

Burakovsky has eight points in 12 playoff games. If the Avalanche win a Cup, he would be one of only two Avalanche players to have won one before. Darren Helm is the other.