Avalanche make goalie change in Game 3 after Kuemper’s brutal night

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar had seen enough.

After starting goalie Darcy Kuemper gave up five goals in a little more than 31 minutes of action in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Bednar knew he had to make a change. Out went Kuemper and in came backup goaltender Pavel Francouz.

The Avs were down just 2-1 after the first period, but Kuemper gave up three in the first 11:15 of the second period as the Lightning took a commanding 5-2 lead. Here’s how the goals looked:

What can't he do?? pic.twitter.com/s6uMXsgG1V

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 21, 2022

Stammer with the spin move 🌀 pic.twitter.com/FwyKl178oG

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 21, 2022

Would y'all call this a Maroon 5??

… srry we'll see ourselves out. pic.twitter.com/478XPO68K6

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 21, 2022

The third goal and the fifth goal were particularly soft by Kuemper. He has to make those saves.

Meanwhile, Francouz has been very solid in these playoffs, posting a 6-0 record and one shutout. He has given up 2.86 goals per game with a .906 save percentage. We’ll see if this change is permanent, or just for the rest of Game 3.

The Avs currently lead the series 2-0, but will almost assuredly lose Game 3, as they currently face a 6-2 deficit late in the second period.
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