(Denver) There were several notable absentees from practice for the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, including captain Gabriel Landeskog, defensemen Devon Toews and Josh Manson and forward Andre Burakovsky.
Posted yesterday at 6:46 p.m.
No one was worried about them though. Avalanche players can enjoy a little rest as they wait to find out which of the New York Rangers or Tampa Bay Lightning they will face in the Stanley Cup Final.
The situation regarding forwards Nazem Kadri (thumb) and Andrew Cogliano (hand) is a bit more worrying. Both had to be operated on recently. And while it has still not been ruled out that they play in the final, the more the days pass, the more likely they are to be able to come as reinforcements.
“It’s nice to get some rest,” forward JT Compher said of the break, which could last up to nearly two weeks. However, you have to keep an active mind. You can relax and clear your mind a little while reminding yourself of the opportunity that is before you. »
Despite the wait, the Avalanche began their preparation for the final on Thursday. The players trained in front of fans, including several children who take advantage of the entertainment facilities in the building, which also houses the team’s practice rink.
“When we come to work, it’s to work. When we give players rest time, it’s for them to rest, explained Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar. If they need a little more time, it’s up to them to take it. »
The Avalanche players were back at work three days after completing the sweep of the Edmonton Oilers. They discussed strategy before firing a few shots at goalkeepers Pavel Francouz and Darcy Kuemper. Bednar wouldn’t reveal prematurely who his starting goaltender will be for Game 1 of the Finals.
Kuemper was Bednar’s go-to man until he suffered an upper-body injury in Game 1 against the Oilers. Francouz took care of the rest, helping the Avalanche advance to the Grand Finals for the first time since 2001.
“It’s going to be a tough decision to make,” Bednar said. We will have several discussions on this subject. »
Kuemper would not disclose the nature of his injury. He said “very good” to see the puck. Kuemper suffered an eye injury in the first round against the Nashville Predators when a stick ripped through the grate of his mask. He was in charge in the second round against the St. Louis Blues.
He praised Francouz’s work.
“I am very happy for him. He’s been really good for the team,” Kuemper said.
The Avalanche’s depth could be affected by the absences of Kadri and Cogliano. Kadri fell in Game 3 against the Oilers after taking a cross-check from Evander Kane, who was suspended for one game for his gesture. Cogliano used his left hand during the handshake at the end of the series.
Kadri has six goals and eight assists since the start of the playoffs, while Cogliano has done well defensively.
“We’ll see how things go,” Bednar said of them. We of course hope that they will be an option for us. »
One thing is certain, Avalanche players will be rested. They had enjoyed a week off after sweeping the Predators.
Bednar isn’t too worried, though, though Lightning head coach Jon Cooper spoke of rust in his squad’s two Eastern Finals opener losses to the Rangers.
“I focus on what we are doing during our break and what made us successful. That’s it, insisted Bednar. I don’t know how they (the Lightning) handled things and I’m not interested. »
Bednar also didn’t want to waste his time looking back on how far he’s come in the playoffs.
“There is still work to be done. That’s my approach, he said. We can take a step back when it’s all over. »