“Could be an option” – Darcy Kuemper could participate in Game 4 for the Avalance against the Predators

“Could be an option” – Darcy Kuemper could participate in Game 4 for the Avalance against the Predators

Darcy Kuemper

Colorado Avalance coach Jared Bednar noted that the right eye injury that Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper sustained is not a big deal as of now, and he may even start Game 4 against the Predator on Monday night once the swelling goes down. The game between the Avalance and the Predators is said to take place at Bridgetown Arena.

Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper got injured late in the first period of a 7-3 win in Game 3 on Saturday when Predators forward Ryan Johansen’s stick blade poked through the eyehole of his mask. Regarding Kuemper’s accident, Bednar said, “His eye, luckily, is fine, after further evaluation last night”. “He’s got some swelling. He’s a possibility for tomorrow if the swelling goes down.”

YouTube video

Also Read| “Doing his rehab and getting better” – Predators goalie Juuse Saros to miss first two games against Avalanche

FS Video

“Could be an option” – Coach Jared Bednar

Darcy Kuemper
Darcy Kuemper

According to coach Jared Bednar, after leaving Game 3 with an eye injury Darcy Kuemper “could be an option” for the Avalance in Game 4. On Saturday the toe of Ryan Johansen’s stick accidentally got stuck in Kuemper’s mask and hit the goaltender through his mask in the eye. He left the game and did not return later. Though Pavel Francouz secured Colorado’s 7-3 victory in Game 3 replacing the Kuemper there’s been a debate going on about Kuemper’s participation in the following game. 

Also Read| “Don’t think it matters individually” – Predators goaltender Connor Ingram makes 49 saves but fell short in 1-2 loss against Avalanche

Predators center Ryan Johansen said, “Obviously, I hope everyone knows there was zero intention of ever something like that happening,” Johansen said. “Just a freak accident. But definitely put a smile on my face hearing that it could just be a little scratch and some swelling.” He further said that he wanted to meet Kuemper to make sure everything was okay but decided not to after knowing his injury wasn’t serious.

Backup players Pavel Francouz and Hunter Miska were seen skating on ice for practice on Sunday, as penned on nhl.com. The Avalance called up Justus Annunen from Colorado of the AHL, as Bednar quoted, “Because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, right?”. “If the swelling goes down, then [Kuemper will] be able to play, and if it doesn’t, then he’ll be out.”

Also Read| “Pretty special” – Avalanche’s Cale Makar sets team record for most season-goals by defenseman in win against Flyers