Colorado Avalanche News

The Devils traded Keith Kinkaid to the Blue Jackets on Monday morning, so Blackwood should be with the Devils through the rest of the season and is expected to backup Cory Schneider against the Canadiens.

Nichushkin was back in the Stars lineup on Tuesday but played just 7:42 TOI and will come back out of the lineup on Thursday.

Nichushkin has been a healthy scratch for the last three games but will replace Dennis Gurianov on Tuesday. Nichushkin has been disappointing since returning from the KHL, failing to score a goal with seven assists in 39 games.

Nichushkin has been in the lineup for the last two games but will be replaced by Jason Dickinson, who returns from a lower-body injury.

Blackwood allowed three goals on just 14 shots in the Devils 3-2 loss to the Ducks on January 19th. Blackwood’s had some great games since being recalled but has lost three of his last five while allowing a combined 18 goals on 145 shots (.876 SV%). He comes into Saturday at 1-3-0 with a 2.86 GAA and .922 SV% in five starts on the road.

Nichushkin has been a healthy scratch for the last three games but will replace Jason Dickinson in the lineup on Friday. Nichushkin, who is expected to skate with Jason Spezza and Andrew Cogliano, has seven assists but no goals on 51 shots in 37 games this season.

Nichushkin will be scratched for the third straight game despite skating on the fourth line on Tuesday. Denis Gurianov was called up on Wednesday morning and draw into the lineup, leaving Nichushkin on the sidelines again.

Nichushkin will not play Thursday due to an “upper-body tweak” so Brett Ritchie will draw into the Stars lineup vs. the Kings. Nichushkin’s return to the NHL has not gone very well—he has no goals and seven assists in 37 games.

Blackwood allowed five goals on 32 shots in the Devils win over the Blackhawks on Monday. Keith Kinkaid got the nod the following night, so Blackwood should be well rested as he tries to extend his winning streak to three. The 22-year-old is 1-2-0 with a 2.81 GAA and .930 SV% in four appearances on the road so far.

Blackwood stopped 32 of 34 shots in the Devils win over the Flyers on Saturday afternoon. It was an impressive showing for Blackwood, who had missed the three previous games with a lower-body injury. Blackwood enters play on Monday at 4-2-0 with a 1.85 GAA, .947 SV% and two shutouts since replacing Cory Schneider on the roster.

Blackwood stopped 32 of 34 shots in the Devils win over the Flyers on Saturday afternoon. It was an impressive showing for Blackwood, who had missed the three previous games with a lower-body injury. Blackwood enters play on Monday at 4-2-0 with a 1.85 GAA, .947 SV% and two shutouts since replacing Cory Schneider on the roster.

Blackwood has missed the last three games with a lower-body injury but may start on Saturday afternoon. Blackwood has played well in eight appearances this season, posting a 1.83 GAA, .947 SV% and two shutouts.

Moving Blackwood to IR was done to open up a roster spot to recall Kevin Rooney from Binghamton (AHL). Blackwood is eligible to come off of IR for Saturday’s game. Cam Johnson will remain with the Devils to backup Keith Kinkaid while Blackwood is out.