With Tyson Barrie out 4-6 weeks due to an MCL injury, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson will get a chance to earn some ice-time.
Wilson, 27, was limited to 28 games during the regular season and watched the first three games of Colorado's playoff series against the Minnesota Wild from the press box.
Avalanche coach Patrick Roy believes Wilson will rise to the occasion with an opportunity for his first playoff action since 2010.
"Losing (Barrie) certainly is going to hurt us, but listen, this is what we've been doing all year: finding a way to win when we lose an important player," Roy told the Denver Post. "We're not happy losing him and not looking to replace him, but at the same time (Wilson) will come in and fill an important role for us. Obviously, it's not the year he wanted to have, but it's a good opportunity for him."
Next on the depth chart behind Wilson is 23-year-old blue-liner Stefan Elliott, who was recalled from the AHL for Colorado's final regular-season contest. Elliott scored a goal in that game - the 58th of his NHL career.