Concerning update on Valeri Nichushkin.

We've already learned today that the Tampa Bay Lightning will be without one of their top forwards in the line up for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, and now we have reason to suspect that the Avalanche could also be without one of their own top forwards in tonight's big game.

Following the conclusion of Game 5 there was some serious concern regarding the health and status of 27 year old Russian forward Valeri Nichushkin. That concern stemmed from the fact that many reporters on hand for Game 5 had reported seeing Nichushkin icing an injury, with Mike Chambers of the Denver Post even reporting that he had personally witnessed Nichushkin being carted away to the "x-ray room," usually not a good sign.

Those concerns were largely alleviated on Saturday though when Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar provided an update on both Nichushkin and JT Compher indicating that both were good to go after they both underwent some testing following Game 5. Although Bednar seemed relatively positive regarding the status of both players, something may have changed over the course of the last 24 hours or so.

When speaking to the media on Sunday, just hours prior to the puck dropping for Game 6, Bednar seemed far less certain regarding the status of Nichushkin than he had the day prior. Rather than making any kind of definitive statement about Nichushkin's availability for Game 6, Bednar left it very much in the air by indicating that he was hoping to see Nichushkin in the lineup.

"We’re hoping he’s in tonight," said Bednar.

Nichuskin has been a very valuable contributor for the Avalanche in the playoffs, so much so that many expect a bidding war for his services should he become a free agent on July 13th, with 9 goals and 6 assists for 15 points in just 19 playoffs games.

Bednar gave a similar response when asked about the status of Andre Burakovsky who traveled with the team to Tampa.

"We’ll see," was all the head coach would say.