Avs goalie Darcy Kuemper leaves Game 3 after taking stick in the face

Injuries could be one of the only things that could derail a potential Avalanche Stanley Cup run.

Colorado may have suffered a major one on Saturday afternoon in Nashville, as goalie Darcy Kuemper had to leave the game after taking a stick to the face through his mask. Kuemper immediately collapsed on the ice holding his head. A trainer helped him to the locker room, but Kuemper showed no signs of being okay. The Avs were up 2-1 late in the first period when the incident happened.

Darcy Kuemper was forced to leave the ice after Ryan Johansen's stick accidentally got through his mask and into the right eye area.

Pavel Francouz has come on in Kuemper's place. pic.twitter.com/9dIBwaYLMY

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 7, 2022

Pavel Francouz is now in the game for Colorado. The Avs currently lead the series 2-0 vs. Nashville.

(Update 4:39 p.m.) – 

Kuemper has been ruled out for the game as the Avs lead 5-3 entering the third period, but Peter Baugh of The Athletic has some relatively good news to report.

Darcy Kuemper is out for the game, per a source. The good news for the #Avs: This isn’t expected to be a long-term injury and there’s no concussion.

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) May 7, 2022

We’ll see about Kuemper’s status for Game 4, but overall this is a very encouraging update.

(Update 5:49 p.m.) –

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar provided some more news on Kuemper postgame.

Jared Bednar says it was Darcy Kuemper’s eye and that he did not leave the building but there’s swelling. Is hopeful that he plays in game 4.

— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) May 7, 2022

With the Avs now up 3-0 in the series after a 7-3 win, we’ll see if Colorado even needs Kuemper in Game 4. But this is great news moving forward for the rest of the playoffs.

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