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Semyon Varlamov helped off ice after collision

Semyon Varlamov, Matthew Sokolowski, J T Compher

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov, front left, is guided to the team box by trainer Matthew Sokolowski, front, right, as left wing J.T. Compher looks on after Varlamov was injured while stopping a shot against the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, March 30, 2018, in Denver. The Avalanche won 5-0. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

AP

Uh oh.

Colorado Avalanche netminder Semyon Varlamov had to be helped off the ice in the third period on Friday in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Avs were leading 4-0 when Blackhawks forward Tomas Jurco blew a tire trying to put a deke on Varlamov. Instead of stopping the puck, Varlamov got drilled in the left leg by Jurco, who slid into him with some force.

As good as Nathan MacKinnon has been for the Avalanche, Varlamov’s play has also been instrumental in getting the Avs into a playoff spot (barring the outcome of the Anaheim Ducks-Los Angeles Kings and St.Louis Blues-Vegas Golden Knights matchups on Friday). The Avs shutout the Blackhawks 5-0 on Friday to move into the first wildcard spot in the West.

Jonathan Bernier would assume the starting role if Varlamov’s injury rules him out for any length of time.

Bernier hasn’t been great lately, posting a .900 or better in just one of his previous five appearences.


Scott Billeck is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @scottbilleck