Avalanche Kuemper Expected to Start Game One

It certainly looks like Colorado Avalanche starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper will be back in net tonight. 

Kuemper appeared in goal for Colorado's practice today. 

All signs point to Darcy Kuemper getting the start tonight. He’s in the “starter’s net” for morning skate #GoAvsGo #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/FVmYbUYfZ1

— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) June 15, 2022

Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper skated in the starter's net during practice, suggesting he will likely get the nod for Game 1, though head coach Jared Bednar declined to confirm which of his team's goalies would be between the pipes tonight. https://t.co/OSgTIBr0dH

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 15, 2022

 

The goalie has been out since May 31st when he suffered an upper-body injury in game one of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers. 

While backup goalie Pavel Francouz has been a reliable presence between the pipes during Kuemper's absence, the starting goalie has expectedly put up better numbers this year, recording a save percentage of .921 over 57 games. This stands above Francouz's .916 save percentage over just twenty-one appearances. 

All in all, Kuemper's experience and reliability make him a favourite for the starting role. However, Francouz is not entirely ruled out of the question, and so it remains to be seen who will man the net in game one against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight.     

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports