Oilers–Avalanche | Mike Smith at his post for Game 2; Darcy Kuemper out

(Denver) Mike Smith will be back in net for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Colorado Avalanche colleague Darcy Kuemper will miss the game with an upper body injury.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed the information after Thursday’s morning warm-up. Its No. 1 goaltender will not put on the uniform, after leaving the ice in the middle of the game, which ended 8-6 in favor of the Avalanche.

That means Pavel Francouz will defend the net for the Avalanche, who will try to take a 2-0 lead in this series.

On the other side, Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft indicated Smith will get the start despite being kicked out of Game 1. The 40-year-old veteran conceded six goals on 25 shots before to be replaced by Mikko Koskinen.