Jared Bednar makes surprising announcement for Game 1 starter
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper skated in the starter's net during practice on Wednesday morning, suggesting he will likely get the nod for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, though head coach Jared Bednar declined to confirm which of his team's goalies would be between the pipes when the puck drops.
Kuemper picked up an upper-body injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers and hasn't played since. On Tuesday, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said Kuemper was fully healthy.
Sakic: Darcy Kuemper is 100% healthy right now� Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 14, 2022
Pavel Francouz came into Game 1 in relief, allowing three goals on 21 shots in the win. Francouz started Games 2, 3 and 4 as well, securing victories in all three, including a 24-save shutout in Game 2. Francouz allowed five goals on 35 shots in Game 4.
Kuemper has made 10 starts in the 2021-22 playoffs and is 6-2 with a 2.65 goals-against average and .897 save percentage. Francouz is 6-0 with a 2.86 goals-against average and .906 save percentage.
Francouz has filled in admiralty for Kuemper when called upon during the season and the playoffs. Francouz is used to coming off the bench in an emergency. He's better suited for the quick-change-scramble-switcheroo, such as the one that took place midway through the second period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
After recovering from his latest injury, thought to be an eye/vision/perhaps concussion problem that popped up in the sweep of Edmonton. Kuemper is 100% healthy and the teams' starter. He should be in the crease during Colorado's most important series of the year.
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final starts tonight puck drop is 8PM.
| POLL | ||
If your the Coach of the Avs. Who would you start in Game 1? | ||
| Darcy Kuemper | 180 | 67.2 % |
| Pavel Francouz | 88 | 32.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
