Colorado Avalanche News

Makar remains day-to-day with a head injury that he suffered on February 7th in Pittsburgh. He'll miss his fourth straight game on Wednesday and is considered questionable to re-join the lineup during the Avs' back-to-back on the weekend.

Makar took a blindside hit to the head from Penguins' forward Jeff Carter late in the game last Tuesday which has caused the 2022 Norris Trophy winner to miss the Avalanche's last two games and he will not return Tuesday as they take on Tampa Bay. Colorado will hope their star defenseman is only forced to miss a minimum amount of time as he has 13 goals and 45 points in 45 games this season.

Francouz has been solid in Colorado's backup role with his 7-7-1 record, 2.53 GAA and .919 SV% this season but is not considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Jonas Johansson has been recalled as his replacement in the meantime.

Blackwood allowed five goals on 40 shots (.875 SV%) for his fourth loss in five games as he was defeated by Nashville in his previous start. The Devils' backup net minder has been shaken when called up this season, with his 6-4-2 record, 3.21 GAA and .894 SV%. He takes on the Seattle Kraken, who are coming off a 4-0 shutout loss to the New York Islanders but are fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.54).

Makar took a blindside hit to the head from Penguins' forward Jeff Carter late in the game Tuesday which will now cause the 2022 Norris Trophy winner to miss the Avalanche's next two games. Colorado will hope their star defensemen is only forced to miss a minimum amount of time as he has 13 goals and 45 points in 45 games this season.

Blackwood allowed five goals on 40 shots (.875 SV%) for his fourth loss in five games as he was defeated by Nashville in his previous start. The Devils' backup net minder has been shaken when called up this season, with his 6-4-2 record, 3.21 GAA and .894 SV%. He takes on the Seattle Kraken, who are coming off a 4-0 shutout loss to the New York Islanders but are fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.54).

Francouz allowed four goals on 31 shots (.871 SV%) to snap a four-game winning streak as he was defeated by Anaheim in his previous start. The Avalanche's backup netminder has been solid when called upon yet again this season, with his 7-7-0 record, 2.58 GAA and .917 SV%. He will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have lost three of their last four games after a 6-4 loss to San Jose in their last game.

Francouz stopped 26 of 27 shots (.963 SV%) for his fifth win in six games as he beat Seattle in his previous start. The 32-year-old Avalanche backup has been incredibly solid yet again this season, with his 7-6-0 record, 2.47 GAA and .920 SV%. He will take on the Anaheim Ducks, who beat Arizona 5-2 in their last game but are 31st in goals per game (2.4).

Makar has missed the Avalanche's previous four games with an undisclosed injury but will return Thursday vs. Anaheim. The 2022 Norris Trophy winner is in the midst of a six-game point streak (4G/5A) and currently ranks fifth among all defensemen with 13 goals and 43 points in 42 games prior to his injury.

Francouz stopped 26 of 27 shots (.963 SV%) for his fifth win in six games as he beat Seattle in his previous start. The 32-year-old Avalanche backup has been incredibly solid yet again this season, with his 7-6-0 record, 2.47 GAA and .920 SV%. He will take on the Anaheim Ducks, who beat Arizona 5-2 in their last game but are 31st in goals per game (2.4).

Merkley was dealt alongside Matthew Nieto in a deal with the Colorado Avalanche that saw Jacob MacDonald and Martin Kaut go the other way.

Schwartz hasn't played since January 12th and is doubtful but a game-time decision to play Wednesday vs. Vancouver. The 30-year-old veteran has 10 goals, 13 assists, 85 SOG, 12 PIMs and a -10 plus/minus through 40 games played prior to the injury.

Makar missed the Avalanche's previous two contests but is fifth among all defensemen in points (43) and second in goals (13) but will miss Friday's game vs. Vancouver as well due to an undisclosed injury. The 2022 Norris Trophy winner is considered day-to-day as we wait for more of an update on his ailment.

Makar will be a game-time decision again Tuesday vs. the Capitals. Head coach Jared Bednar said that Makar will take part in the morning skate and warmups as he did on Saturday.