Jonathan Bernier was terrific Monday, making 39 saves in the Avalanche's 2-1 win in Pittsburgh. Now it's Semyon Varlamov's turn in goal Tuesday in Washington in the finale of the four-game road trip.
Here are the GAME NOTES.
The Avalanche didn't have a morning skate, but coach Jared Bednar said a few minutes ago that Alexander Kerfoot has a leg/foot injury and won't play. He was hurt in the second period Monday when hit by an Erik Johnson shot. Bednar said Kerfoot is day-to-day.
Gabriel Bourque will return to the lineup. Nail Yakupov is still ill.
Bednar will use 11 forwards and seven defensemen again.
Varlamov is coming off a 39-save performance Saturday in the Avalanche's 7-3 win in Florida. He had 28 saves Nov. 16 in a 6-2 home win against Washington.
Like the Avalanche (14-13-2), the Capitals (18-12-1) played Monday, a 3-1 loss to the New York Islanders in Brooklyn that ended their winning streak at four games.
Braden Holtby will start in goal for Washington. He was replaced by Philipp Grubauer after allowing three goals on 12 shots against the Islanders; Grubauer stopped all 17 shots he faced.
The Avalanche open a three-game homestand Thursday against Florida.