Francouz starts Game 2 with Kuemper injured

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz started Game 2 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers in the absence of starting netminder Darcy Kuemper.

Kuemper left Game 1 with an upper-body injury and was unable to return. The specifics of his ailment are still unknown.

Justus Annunen served as backup.

Heading into Thursday's contest, Francouz made three appearances this postseason, two in relief and one start. He managed to win each contest but logged an .889 save percentage. The 31-year-old went 15-5-1 in the regular season with a .916 clip.

The Avalanche won the series opener 8-6.