Kiviranta is expected to miss an extended period of time with a lower-body injury. Kiviranta does not need surgery but the Stars do not have a timeline on his return. Marian Studenic was recalled from the AHL on Tuesday and will replace him in the lineup on Wednesday.
Francouz allowed four goals on 31 shots (.871 SV%) to snap a four-game winning streak as he was defeated by Anaheim in his previous start. The Avalanche's backup netminder has been solid when called upon yet again this season, with his 7-7-0 record, 2.58 GAA and .917 SV%. He will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have lost three of their last four games after a 6-4 loss to San Jose in their last game.
Nichuskin missed the Avalanche's previous two games with an upper-body injury but will draw back into the lineup Tuesday as they take on Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old has played great throughout his injury-riddled campaign in 2022-23, with eight goals, 10 assists, 63 SOG and a +6 plus/minus through 20 games prior to his latest knock.
Nichuskin missed the Avalanche's previous game and is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury and is questionable to play vs. St. Louis Saturday. The 27-year-old has played well when healthy, with his 8 goals, 10 assists, 63 SOG, and +6 plus/minus through 20 games prior to his most recent injury.
MacDonald was acquired from the Avalanche on Wednesday and will make his debut Friday in Carolina. It's unclear who MacDonald will replace in the lineup because the Sharks reportedly have a couple of players under the weather.
Francouz stopped 26 of 27 shots (.963 SV%) for his fifth win in six games as he beat Seattle in his previous start. The 32-year-old Avalanche backup has been incredibly solid yet again this season, with his 7-6-0 record, 2.47 GAA and .920 SV%. He will take on the Anaheim Ducks, who beat Arizona 5-2 in their last game but are 31st in goals per game (2.4).
Nichuskin will miss time for the third time this season as he is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury and will not play Thursday vs. Anaheim. The 27-year-old has played well when healthy, with his 8 goals, 10 assists, 63 SOG, and +6 plus/minus through 20 games prior to his most recent injury.
Makar has missed the Avalanche's previous four games with an undisclosed injury but will return Thursday vs. Anaheim. The 2022 Norris Trophy winner is in the midst of a six-game point streak (4G/5A) and currently ranks fifth among all defensemen with 13 goals and 43 points in 42 games prior to his injury.
Francouz stopped 26 of 27 shots (.963 SV%) for his fifth win in six games as he beat Seattle in his previous start. The 32-year-old Avalanche backup has been incredibly solid yet again this season, with his 7-6-0 record, 2.47 GAA and .920 SV%. He will take on the Anaheim Ducks, who beat Arizona 5-2 in their last game but are 31st in goals per game (2.4).
Mandolese has been recalled to his third level this season after seeing time early with the Allen Americans (ECHL) and then moving up to the Belleville Senators (AHL) before receiving his promotion to the Senators Thursday. The 22-year-old netminder struggled in Belleville, with his 4-6-2 record, .886 SV% and 3.39 GAA but got the call-up due to Cam Talbot leaving Wednesday's game with a lower-body injury.
MacDonald was dealt alongside Martin Kaut in a deal with the San Jose Sharks that saw Ryan Merkley and Matthew Nieto go the other way.
Merkley was dealt alongside Matthew Nieto in a deal with the Colorado Avalanche that saw Jacob MacDonald and Martin Kaut go the other way.
Makar missed the Avalanche's previous two contests but is fifth among all defensemen in points (43) and second in goals (13) but will miss Friday's game vs. Vancouver as well due to an undisclosed injury. The 2022 Norris Trophy winner is considered day-to-day as we wait for more of an update on his ailment.
Makar will be a game-time decision again Tuesday vs. the Capitals. Head coach Jared Bednar said that Makar will take part in the morning skate and warmups as he did on Saturday.
Makar missed the Avalanche's previous contest and is fifth among all defensemen in points (43) and second in goals (13) but will miss Friday's game vs. Vancouver as well due to an undisclosed injury. The 2022 Norris Trophy winner is considered day-to-day as we wait for more of an update on his ailment.
