Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper in the “starter’s net” at morning skate

One of the only mysteries left for the Colorado Avalanche is who will be their starting goalie in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

That question may have been answered at morning skate on Wednesday.

Darcy Kuemper took the reps in the “starter’s net,” a good indication he’ll be the guy in goal tonight for Colorado.

Darcy in the starting spot During skate. pic.twitter.com/xlJFYGiGVU

— Darren McKee (@DMacRadio) June 15, 2022

Kuemper left Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Oilers, apparently still bothered by an eye injury suffered in Round 1 against Nashville. Backup Pavel Francouz came in and helped the Avs hang on for an 8-6 win before also starting and earning victories in the next three games. Kuemper was Francouz’s backup in Game 4.

Both goalies have won six games this postseason, so there’s a case to be made about why each guy should start. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar would not confirm after morning skate if Kuemper will indeed be the guy, but all indication are he will be. DMac is also reporting he did not see injured forwards Nazem Kadri and Andrew Cogliano at morning skate, an indication that neither guy is likely to play tonight. Bednar said both are “day-to-day.”

Puck drop for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is set for 6:00 p.m. MT on ABC.

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