Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper will return from injury and start Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday.
Kuemper picked up what was described as 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.
Kuemper was in the starter's net during morning skate on Wednesday, suggesting he would start -- but coach Jared Bednar did not confirm a starter.
Pavel Francouz came into Game 1 against the Oilers 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. In six appearances these playoffs, Francouz has registered a .906 save percentage and a 2.87 goals-against average.
Kuemper, on the other hand, has posted a .897 save percentage and a 2.65 goals-against average in 10 appearances — a dip in performance compared to his .921 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against average in the regular season.
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