The Colorado Avalanche are looking to pull off the first-round series sweep of the Nashville Predators, and can do just that with a win on the road in Game 4. There is one key question hanging over the Avs for Game 4, and that's whether or not star goalie Darcy Kuemper will be available to play after sustaining a gruesome eye injury from a Ryan Johansen high stick. Kuemper left late in the first period and did not return in Game 3, and now head coach Jared Bednar has offered an update on the Avalanche goalie ahead of Monday's showdown, via Peter Baugh.
After undergoing further evaluation on the eye injury, Bednar revealed that Kuemper's eye is fine, and there's a chance he'll take the ice for Game 4. If the swelling reduces, expect to see the 32-year-old in the cage for Colorado on Monday night.
Even if Kuemper is unable to go, and it wouldn't be a huge shock if they elect to play it safe with the eye injury, Pavel Francouz served valiantly in his stead, recording 20 saves on 22 shots on target and helping to protect their lead in the win. With the high-octane offense of the Avalanche seemingly able to score at will against a Predators team that appears outmatched virtually across the ice, perhaps Bednar will keep Kuemper on the sideline for one more game, in hopes of clinching the series without rushing him back.
The injury occurred late in the first period of Saturday's game after Ryan Johansen's stick found its way inside the mask of Kuemper's goalie helmet. Kuemper was writhing in pain on the ground and was ushered to the sideline by Colorado's medical staff. He did not return to the game.
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