The Colorado Avalanche are looking to bounce back after a disappointing Game 3 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the chance to take a 3-1 lead in the Stanley Cup Final, head coach Jared Bednar provided an optimistic update on Nazem Kadri's injury ahead of Game 4 on Wednesday night. Via Peter Baugh, Bednar said that Kadri is improving every day, but wouldn't reveal whether or not the 31-year-old was in his plans for Game 4.
Jared Bednar didn’t say if Nazem Kadri is in but said he’s getting better every day. Certainly seems like a possibility.
Andre Burakovsky is in Denver skating and getting treatment.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 22, 2022
While Bednar wouldn't make a declarative statement on Kadri's status, Baugh did indicate that it seemed possible that the star forward would return to action for Game 4. As for Andre Burkakovsky, the forward remains away from the team and is continuing to get treatment back in Denver.
Kadri underwent surgery on his hand after sustaining an injury in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Kadri was Boarded by Evander Kane in what was deemed a dirty hit, for which Kane was suspended one game. The Avalanche have been anxiously awaiting Kadri's return ever since, and ahead of a pivotal Game 4, Bednar indicated there's a chance he makes his return to the series.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel is on the ice with the presumed scratches. That would theoretically open a lineup spot for Nazem Kadri.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 22, 2022
With the Avs in need of an offensive spark following their 6-2 defeat in Game 3, getting Kadri back into the mix of things could provide just that. The 31-year-old scored 28 goals and added 59 assists across 71 games this season, and had logged 14 points in 13 playoff games this postseason, highlighted by a tremendous hat-trick against the St. Louis Blues in the second round.
If Kadri isn't able to go, he wouldn't be the only star forward unavailable for Game 4. The Lightning also expect to be down a key player in the form of Brayden Point, whose lingering lower-body injury has flared up again.
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