Mystery prevails when it comes to Darcy Kuemper ahead of Game 2

Colorado Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper left Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period on Tuesday night with an upper-body injury and did not return. He surrendered three goals to the Oilers before he headed to the Avs’ bench to talk with his head coach Jared Bednar in the second period. He then went down the tunnel and was replaced by Pavel Francouz.

Earlier on Wednesday, it was reported that Kuemper apparently pulled himself because of blurry vision and he said he couldn’t see the puck. This sounds like possible concussion symptoms that could have him on the sideline for an undermined amount of time.

When media met with head coach Jared Bednar about Kuemper’s availability for Game 2 in the series on Thursday night, the mystery prevailed and fans are left with an unsettling update on the goalie’s condition.

“We’ll see,” Bednar said about Kuemper playing. “I don’t know yet.”

He also attempted to explain what had taken place prior to Kuemper leaving the game. 

“He relayed that he was having some issues, so I told Pav [Francouz] to get ready,” Bednar said Wednesday. “I believe it was during our power play, so no immediate rush to get him out of there. As soon as we got the opportunity, we pulled him out.”

The Oilers didn’t reveal their starter either on Wednesday when Edmonton head coach Jay Woodcroft answered reporters’ question. Game 1 was not only tough for Kuemper as Oilers starter Mike Smith gave up six goals before being pulled in favour of Mikko Koskinen. Woodcroft did not commit to Smith starting Game 2, saying: “We’ll determine Mike’s status and Mikko’s status tomorrow. I thought Mike Smith was excellent for us all playoffs long. Last night, I didn’t think we did as much as a team to help him out in certain situations.”

A lot of uncertainty in between the pipes ahead of Game 2, but the news on Kuemper remains mysterious.

The Avalanche will likely have more updates on his condition on Thursday after the morning skate.