Francouz was great in his previous start, stopping 24 of 25 shots (.960 SV%) in a 4-1 victory over Carolina. Through four starts, the Avalanche's backup has posted a 1-3-0 record with a .912 SV% and 2.55 GAA. He faces off against the same team he beat just five days ago, who has won two of their last three games after a 3-0 victory over Chicago last time out.
Wedgewood allowed four goals on 32 shots (.875 SV%) in a loss over a week ago vs. Winnipeg. The Stars' backup netminder has played admirably when called up with a 3-3-1 record and 3.21 GAA along with his .903 SV%. He faces the Florida Panthers who have won three of their last four games after a 5-2 victory over Washington their last time out.
Wedgewood allowed four goals on 32 shots (.875 SV%) in a loss over a week ago vs. Winnipeg. The Stars' backup netminder has played admirably when called up with a 3-3-1 record and 3.21 GAA along with his .903 SV%. He faces the Florida Panthers who have won three of their last four games after a 5-2 victory over Washington their last time out.
Blackwood is expected to miss 3-to-6 weeks with an MCL sprain, so his move to IR opened up a roster spot to call-up Nico Daws. Vitek Vanecek was banged up on Thursday, so Daws is expected to serve as Akira Schmid's backup.
Blankenburg will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken ankle after playing 22:25 TOI and scoring a goal last game vs. Philadelphia. The 24-year-old had been enjoying a solid first full NHL season, collecting two goals and an assist on 13 SOG through seven games so far this season.
Ranta has previously played in 10 NHL games without picking up a point and posting a -4 plus/minus but will make his 2022-23 debut with the Avalanche Thursday. In 10 games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL) prior to his promotion, he had a goal and an assist along with eight PIMs and a -5 plus/minus rating.
With the Avalanche losing a few players due to injury earlier this week, Sampo Ranta has been recalled from the Colorado Eagles (AHL). In 10 AHL games played this year with the Eagles he has one goal and one assist and is a -5 plus/minus prior to his promotion.
Nichuskin will undergo ankle surgery and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after missing the Avalanches' last four games. This is a terrible loss for the 27-year-old, who was enjoying the best season of his career to date prior to the injury, scoring seven goals and 12 points in his first seven games played.
Wedgwood won his third straight start his last time out, stopping 28 of 30 shots (.933 SV%) in a 6-2 victory over the high scoring Edmonton Oilers. He has filled in admirably in the absence of Jake Oettinger (lower-body), posting a 3-2-1 record along with a .908 SV% and 3.05 GAA. He faces off against the surging Winnipeg Jets, who have won five of their last six games while still only ranking 20th in the NHL in GF/GP with 3.0.
Blackwood left the Devil's last game vs. Edmonton after 28:41 due to a knee injury. It was announced today that New Jersey's goaltender will miss the next 3-6 weeks with an MCL sprain to his knee. Blackwood had struggled prior to the injury, posting a 4-2-0 record along with a .880 SV% and 2.79 GAA. Vitek Vanecek will take the majority of the Devils' starts in the meantime.
Blackwood left the Devil's last game vs. Edmonton after 28:41 due to a knee injury. It was announced today that New Jersey's goaltender has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and will meet with team doctors Tuesday for a further update. Blackwood had struggled prior to the injury, posting a 4-2-0 record along with a .880 SV% and 2.79 GAA. Vitek Vanecek will take the majority of the Devils' starts in the mean time.
Blankenburg has been solid this season, collecting a game-winning goal, two points (1G/1A) and eight shots in four games all while only playing 16:05 TOI nightly. He will be back in Columbus' lineup Friday as they take on the Avalanche in Finland.
Nichuskin has missed the Avalanche's last two games due to a lower-body injury but was on the ice for warmups Friday in Finland before heading off prematurely. He is now announced out for Friday's game and will be reevaluated before their second game Saturday. He shares the Avalanche lead in points alongside Nathan MacKinnon with 12 points (7G/5A) in seven games.
Blankenburg has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury that he suffered in New York on October 23rd but could be back in the lineup on Friday. If he plays, expect Blankenburg to skate on the top defensive pairing with Zach Werenski.
Nichushkin has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury but was skating on the top line and top power-play unit in Thursday's practice. Head coach Jared Bednar called him a game-time decision, so monitor his status as the Avalanche hit the ice in Finland at 1:30 PM ET.
