The Colorado Avalanche dismantled the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, running up the score in a 7-0 thrashing. The Aves took care of work at home, grabbing a 2-0 series lead, and managing to do so without star forward Nazem Kadri available. With the series returning to Tampa for Games 3 and 4, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar gave an update on Kadri's status, describing the 31-year-old as being “day-to-day,” via Joe Smith.
Bednar said Kadri is flying with Avs to Tampa. Hopeful he’ll play in series, not sure if it’ll be in Game 3 or 4. Still considers him day to day
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) June 19, 2022
Bednar revealed that Kadri would be joining the Avalanche on the trip down to Tampa Bay, and remains hopeful that Kadri will be able to return at some point during the series. Bednar didn't rule out the possibility of a return as early as Game 3 or Game 4, though he admitted he's unsure at this point.
Kadri has been out since Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals after sustaining a thumb injury following a dirty hit from controversial Oilers forward Evander Kane. Kadri underwent surgery to repair his thumb and has since been vying to get back onto the ice in order to help his teammates in the Stanley Cup Final.
Bednar's latest update is certainly optimistic and paints a hopeful picture for an early return for the Avs star. While he refused to give an official indication as to when Kadri will return to game action, it's sounding more and more likely that he'll be able to return at some point during the Final, which would obviously be a huge boost to an already-potent Avalanche offense.
During the regular season, Kadri registered 87 points by the way of 28 goals and 59 assists. In 13 playoff games, prior to sustaining the thumb injury, the Ontario native had racked up 14 points via 6 goals and 8 assists.
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