Kuemper exits Game 3 after taking stick through mask
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper left Saturday's Game 3 against the Nashville Predators late in the first period after Ryan Johansen's stick inadvertently went through his cage.
Pavel Francouz entered the contest in relief and remained between the pipes as Kuemper was ultimately ruled out.
Head coach Jared Bednar said postgame that Kuemper has an eye injury but could play in Game 4 on Monday, according to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post.
Darcy Kuemper was forced to leave the ice after Ryan Johansen's stick accidentally got through his mask and into the right eye area.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 7, 2022
Pavel Francouz has come on in Kuemper's place. pic.twitter.com/9dIBwaYLMY
Kuemper enjoyed a strong first regular season with the Avalanche, posting a 37-12-4 record with a .921 save percentage. Francouz made 21 appearances this year with a .915 clip.
Francouz had a .892 save percentage in six playoff games for Colorado in 2019-20.
Colorado ultimately won 7-3 to take a 3-0 stranglehold on the first-round series.