The Colorado Avalanche entered the Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning looking like the more unhealthy team. That appears to have changed as Game 4 approaches Wednesday night in Tampa Bay. After Tuesday's skate around, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar updated the status of his star forward Nazem Kadri.

“He seems to be getting better every day, so I believe he's an option for us at some point,” Bednar said. “Not sure how soon.”

Kadri has been out since injuring his thumb in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals vs. the Edmonton Oilers. He was forced to have surgery on his thumb, leaving serious doubt he would return this season. However, Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson went so far as to say that he expects Kadri to be a possibility in the next couple of games, noted by Denver Post writer Ryan O'Halloran.

After Colorado's 7-0 destruction of the Lightning, it looked like Kadri's services might not be required to hoist the Cup. Then Game 3 happened and the two-time defending champions showed why they are exactly that. The Lightning, on home ice, were insanely physical, fast and sharp, beating the Avalanche 6-2. That was Colorado's first road loss of these playoffs.

However, the Lightning might very well have lost a key contributor. Nikita Kucherov was injured during the third period of that game. It is unknown whether the forward will be able to suit up for Game 4. The same goes for Brayden Point, who missed Game 3 with injury. Point missed most of the playoffs after suffering a lower body injury in the first round. He is considered doubtful for Game 4.

The Avalanche lead the series 2-1 and look for a strangle hold Wednesday night.