The Colorado Avalanche grabbed a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Nashville Predators with a 7-3 win in game 3 on Saturday afternoon.

In front of a less-than-capacity Bridgestone Arena, the 'Avs bent but never broke until finally pulling away for another big win.

The 'Avs jumped out to the early 2-0 lead before the Preds stormed back to tie it up. The teams traded goals, but it was the special teams that would be the difference in this one. After a controversial goal gave Colorado a 4-3 lead, the 'Avs cashed in another power-play goal when Nashville was penalized for an unsuccessful challenge. It was their fourth power-play goal of the game.

Colorado was 4-for-5 on the power play.

Gabriel Landeskog had two goals and two assists, Nazem Kadri and Devon Toews each had a goal and an assist, and Cale Makar had another huge game with three assists. Makar leads the NHL in playoff scoring with seven points (2g 5a) in three games. Valeri Nichushkin added an ENG for his first of the playoffs.

Pavel Francouz stopped 18 of the 20 shots he faced in relief of Darcy Kuemper, Francouz entered the game when the 'Avs starter exited the game with an eye injury. Kuemper stopped 9-of-10 shots he faced before leaving.

The Kuemper injury marred what should have been another big win for the boys.

Late in the first period, Preds center Ryan Johansen's stick poked through Kuemper's mask and into his eye. Kuemper ripped his helmet off and fell to the ice before skating to the bench clutching his face. He went to the locker room and did not return.

This is the type of situation that would have doomed the 'Avs in seasons past. However, the emergence of Francouz as a solid 1B had to have made the situation easier to stomach for coaches, players, and fans alike.

From various reports, it sounds like the injury isn't too bad and Kuemper should be able to get back soon.

Bednar says Kuemper is "able to see" - indicates injury won't be long-term

— Adrian Dater (@adater) May 7, 2022

Jared Bednar on Darcy Kuemper: "We'll get him further evaluated. He's got some swelling there." He said it's not too serious and he's a possibility for Game 4.

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) May 7, 2022

Kuemper's timetable to return could be helped out significantly if the 'Avs wrap this thing up in four games and the team has a few extra days to rest.

Could this really be a waste of eight days?

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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