NAZEM KADRI

Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin each scored two power-play goals, Mikko Rantanen had four assists and the fast-skating Colorado Avalanche began their Stanley Cup title defense with a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Johnny Gaudreau joining Columbus headlined a busy offseason of player movement around the NHL. “We didn’t want to put Band-Aid solutions when we did this: try to sign free agents, make one trade and then one year you’re in, the other year you’re out. The Avalanche signed Georgiev to a three-year contract and will pair him with Czech veteran Pavel Francouz. “He’s got a really good toolbox. Hopefully in a new environment we’re able to get the most out of him, and if we can do that we’re going to have a really good defenseman on our hands who’s only 25 years old.”___More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Johnny Gaudreau leaving Calgary for Columbus headlined a busy offseason of player movement around the NHL.

LONDON, Ontario — (AP) — Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown mosque on Saturday. Kadri began his day with the Cup at London Muslim Mosque. A number of Lebanon flags -- the country Kadri’s family is from -- were held high, along with a couple of Canadian flags. “I think it’s really an amazing experience for the Muslim community and it’s really inspiring for us,” said 15-year-old Zayan Khan. Four members of a Muslim family were run over by a truck and killed in what police described as motivated by anti-Muslim hate.

CALGARY, Alberta — (AP) — Nazem Kadri is going to the Calgary Flames, leaving the Colorado Avalanche after helping them win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2001. Calgary announced a $49 million, seven-year contract Thursday, meaning Kadri will count $7 million against the salary cap through 2029. The move came shortly after the Flames traded forward Sean Monahan to the Montreal Canadiens to free up space under the salary cap. “He brings a high skill level and determination to our group combined with his recent experience of a Stanley Cup championship." The Pacific Division-winning Flames have had to restock their lineup after also losing Johnny Gaudreau in free agency this offseason.

Gritty forward Nazem Kadri has signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames.

The New Jersey Devils have agreed to terms with left winger Ondrej Palat on a $30 million, five-year contract.

The Columbus Blue Jackets landed the biggest prize on the opening day of NHL free agency by signing Johnny Gaudreau to a $68.25 million seven-year contract.

The Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche have brought back defenseman Josh Manson with a four-year deal worth $18 million.

Johnny Hockey is testing the free agent market, following Evgeni Malkin 's lead. MVP candidate Johnny Gaudreau informed the Calgary Flames he's leaving in free agency Wednesday, joining an NHL free agent class that features the most high-end talent available in several years. “It is my strong belief that this was a family decision, and I respect that fully,” disappointed Flames general manager Brad Treliving said Tuesday night.

Executives around the NHL expect plenty of movement before free agency opens Wednesday.

APTOPIX Stanley Cup Avalanche Parade Hockey Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog hoists the Stanley Cup and a flag of Sweden at a rally for the NHL hockey champions Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Denver. From “A” (alcohol, lots of alcohol) to “Z” (Zamboni drivers taking the road), the parade held Thursday to celebrate Colorado's Stanley Cup title offered a little bit of everything. It was Nazem Kadri who delivered the line of the day on stage as rain fell and thunder boomed. We come with the Avalanche, baby,” screamed Kadri, whose team dethroned the two-time defending champion Lightning in six games for the franchise's third Stanley Cup title. It was a sea of burgundy and blue at Civic Center Park, where the parade ended and the speeches took place.

The parade through the streets of Denver to celebrate the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup title offered a little bit of everything.

Some tough decisions loom for the Colorado Avalanche after dethroning the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final. Taylor, a forward, was on hand to watch his brother not only win the Stanley Cup but earn the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the postseason. It’s so funny to see us grow up together, have those sibling fights, battle playing fake Stanley Cup and mini-sticks. ALL THE SMALL THINGSThe band blink-182 gave a shoutout to the Avalanche for their Stanley Cup title. The only Stanley Cup winner with fewer losses since all rounds went to a best-of-seven format in 1987 was Edmonton, which lost only twice in '88.

The city will celebrate the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup title with a parade through the streets of downtown Denver.

The Colorado Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup showed the value of speed and skill in a league dramatically tilting in that direction.

The Tampa Bay Lightning spoiled Colorado’s party and they are still in the hunt for a third straight Stanley Cup title after beating the Avalanche 3-2 in Game 5.

A resilient win,” said Kadri, who had been sidelined since being injured during Game 3 of the Western Conference final against Edmonton. “I figured it was time to join the party.”The Avalanche outshot the Lightning 11-3 in the extra period. Vasilevskiy stopped Logan O'Connor on a breakaway, and Colorado had a shot clang off the post and another hit the crossbar before Kadri ended it. Game 5 is Friday night in Denver, where Colorado won the first two games of the series and are 7-2 this postseason. Anthony Cirelli scored 36 seconds into the game and Victor Hedman also scored in regulation for the Lightning.

Nazem Kadri scored at 12:02 of overtime — perhaps with too many Colorado players on the ice — and the Avalanche beat Tampa Bay 3-2 on Wednesday night in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final to move within a victory of dethroning the two-time defending champion Lightning.

Oilers Avalanche Hockey Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith (41) gives up a goal to Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon as Nazem Kadri (91) watches during the third period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Western Conference finals Thursday, June 2, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey)TAMPA, Fla. — (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche got a key player back with the return of center Nazem Kadri for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Kadri been out since injuring his thumb when he was boarded by Evander Kane in Game 3 of Colorado’s four-game sweep over the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final. Point played in the first two games of the Final after missing 10 straight due to a right leg injury. Avalanche left wing Andre Burakovsky (hand) missed his second straight game and was skating and getting treatment in Denver on Wednesday.

The Colorado Avalanche got a key player back with the return of Nazem Kadri for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The fast-flying Colorado Avalanche have zoomed out to a 2-0 series lead over Tampa Bay in the Stanley Cup Final.

Stanley Cup-Notebook Hockey FILE - Los Angeles Kings right wing Justin Williams, of Slovenia, carries the Stanley Cup after defeating the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final series, June 13, 2014, in Los Angeles. Williams is joining NHL Network as a guest analyst for Games 3 and 4 of the final between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. Game 7” is back in the Stanley Cup Final, but in a much different role than before. Three-time champion and 2014 playoff MVP Justin Williams is joining NHL Network as a guest analyst for Games 3 and 4 between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. When approached about a TV role, he figured it would be next season and jumped at the opportunity to make a cameo appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.

“Mr. Game 7” is back in the Stanley Cup Final, but in a much different role than before.

Injured Colorado Avalanche forwards Nazem Kadri and Andrew Cogliano skated with an assistant coach Thursday after missing Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kadri skated with a stick in his hand for the first time since injuring his right thumb crashing into the boards during the last round. Cogliano took a puck to the right hand in Colorado’s series clincher against Edmonton in the Western Conference final.

Andre Burakovsky scored 1:23 into overtime and the Colorado Avalanche opened the Stanley Cup Final with a 4-3 victory over the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

APTOPIX Avalanche Oilers Hockey Colorado Avalanche's Bowen Byram (4), J.T. He later scored the go-ahead goal in a back-and-forth Game 4 of the Western Conference final that the Avalanche won to sweep the Oilers out of the playoffs and move on to play for the Stanley Cup. “It’s a battle of attrition,” said Jared Bednar, in his fifth season as Colorado's coach. “A week off is going to help us with the banged-up players we have," Rantanen said. Landeskog gathered the Avalanche to stand around it, and he and MacKinnon each put a hand on it but didn't parade it around the ice.

The Colorado Avalanche didn't need to be fully healthy to sweep the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference final.

With Nazem Kadri out with an injury, Colorado's Mikko Rantanen shifted to center to take his spot and was on the receiving end of a few chops on the back of his leg from Edmonton's Duncan Keith that sent him to the ice. Rantanen rose to his feet, shoved Keith and got back in the play. The Avalanche didn't make it through the series unscathed, but with Edmonton star Leon Draisaitl skating on one good leg and defenseman Darnell Nurse playing through a hip injury, they are moving on to face the New York Rangers or back-to-back defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the Cup Final next week.

APTOPIX Avalanche Oilers Hockey Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon (29) and Gabriel Landeskog (92) celebrate a goal on Edmonton Oilers goalie Mike Smith (41) as Cody Ceci (5) defends during third period NHL hockey conference finals action in Edmonton, Alberta, on Monday, June 6, 2022. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) (Jason Franson)EDMONTON, Alberta — (AP) — Artturi Lehkonen scored 1:19 into overtime, and Colorado rallied to beat the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 Monday night, completing a four-game sweep in the Western Conference final and sending the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2001. Colorado will take on the winner of the Eastern Conference final between the New York Rangers and two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. But the Oilers stormed back and forced overtime when Kassian scored at 16:38 and tied it at 5-all. I basically had an empty netter in front of me, so tap it in.”NOTES: The Colorado Avalanche were without the injured Nazem Kadri.

Nathan MacKinnon scored late in the third. This game was a departure from a high-scoring Game 1 in which there were 14 goals and 84 shots. Francouz grew stronger with every save he made as he stepped in for Darcy Kuemper, who left Game 1 with an upper-body injury. To slow down the speedy MacKinnon, Edmonton shadowed him virtually at all times. Colorado and Edmonton turned in about as entertaining first period as possible for no goals scored.

Nazem Kadri had three assists in a 2:04 span in the second period, backup Pavel Francouz stopped 24 shots for his second career playoff shutout and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-0 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

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Darren Helm scored with 5.6 seconds left and Darcy Kuemper stopped 18 shots as the Colorado Avalanche finished off their second-round series with a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues in Game 6.

Tyler Bozak scored 3:38 into overtime and the St. Louis Blues fended off elimination in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Avalanche Blues Hockey Colorado Avalanche's Nazem Kadri celebrates after scoring during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues Monday, May 23, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri refused to buckle in the face of death threats, racial slurs, a booing St. Louis crowd and a few post-whistle hits. Kadri scored three goals, drew two penalties, and Colorado took a 3-1 second-round playoff series lead over the Blues following a 6-3 win on Monday night. Aside from quieting a crowd that booed him from his opening shift, Kadri also made the Blues pay for being undisciplined. ___Freelance writers David Solomon and Joe Harris in St. Louis, Missouri, contributed to this report.

Avalanche Blues Hockey Colorado Avalanche's Nazem Kadri (91) celebrates after scoring during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues Monday, May 23, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Nazem Kadri scored three goals, including two during a four-goal second period barrage, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 6-3 on Monday night to take a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference series. Kadri gave the Avalanche the lead with his first at 4:07 and Toews scored 19 seconds later to make it 3-1. Colorado did not score on the two-man advantage, but Kadri buried his second goal moments after it ended to make it 4-1. ... Blues F Vladimir Tarasenko played in his 88th career playoff game, moving him into a tie with Jaden Schwartz for fifth-most in franchise history.

Nazem Kadri scored three goals, including two during a four-goal second period barrage, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 6-3 to take a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference series.

Avalanche Kadri Threats Hockey FILE - Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri plays against the Nashville Predators during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series Monday, May 9, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. The NHL and St. Louis police are investigating threats the Colorado Avalanche say were made toward forward Nazem Kadri. The team said Sunday night it was aware of threats against Kadri and was working with local law enforcement to investigate. The AP verified the existence of Twitter posts sent to the official Avalanche team account and to Kadri’s calling him “Arab scum” and referencing terrorism. One was still up hours before Game 4 in St. Louis, with Colorado leading the best-of-seven series 2-1.

Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri refused to buckle in the face of death threats, racial slurs, a booing St. Louis crowd and a few post-whistle hits.

The Florida Panthers are on the brink of getting swept out of the second round of the playoffs by the back-to-back defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

Avalanche Blues Hockey Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper celebrates with teammates Nazem Kadri (91), Erik Johnson (6) and Andrew Cogliano (11) following a 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Saturday, May 21, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Artturi Lehkonen scored twice, Darcy Kuemper stopped 29 shots and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 5-2 in Game 3 of their second-round series Saturday night. Logan O'Connor, Nazem Kadri and Gabriel Landeskog also scored as the Avalanche to a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Lehkonen scored his second of the night with Husso pulled to put Colorado up 5-2 in the final minute. Girard was ruled out with an upper body injury and was transported to a St. Louis area hospital for further evaluation.

Artturi Lehkonen scored twice, Darcy Kuemper stopped 29 shots and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 5-2 in Game 3 of their second-round series.

Josh Manson scored 8:02 into overtime, Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves in his return to the net from an eye injury, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in Game 1 of their second-round series.

The New York Rangers will play the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

Gabriel Landeskog scored twice in the second period, and the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 7-3 for a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference series.

Cale Makar scored 8:31 into overtime, Darcy Kuemper made 25 saves on his 32nd birthday and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 2-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.

Nathan MacKinnon and Devon Toews scored 22 seconds apart in a five-goal first period, sending the Colorado Avalanche to a 7-2 win over the Nashville Predators in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

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Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and the Colorado Avalanche clinched a playoff spot with a 6-4 win against the Pittsburgh Penguin.

Avalanche Stars Hockey Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) celebrates his goal with teammate Gabriel Landeskog (92) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero)DALLAS — (AP) — Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves for his second shutout this season, Gabriel Landeskog scored two goals and the streaking Colorado Avalanche beat the Dallas Stars 4-0 on Sunday. Nicolas Aube-Kubel added a goal at 13:50 of the third period, and Landeskog backhanded an unassisted empty-net goal with 1:50 remaining. Both first-period goals against Holtby came when the Stars allowed Colorado skaters in front of the net. His four short-handed points are tied for the NHL lead.

Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves for his second shutout this season, Gabriel Landeskog scored two goals and the streaking Colorado Avalanche beat the Dallas Stars 4-0.

Coyotes Avalanche Hockey Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri scores a goal against Arizona Coyotes goaltender Scott Wedgewood during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — Alex Galchenyuk was the only scorer in the shootout, and the Arizona Coyotes rallied to beat Colorado 3-2 on Tuesday night, snapping the Avalanche’s 18-game home winning streak. He made a game-sealing save on Nazem Kadri on Colorado’s last shootout try. Two of those wins came against Arizona, including a shootout victory in Denver to start the 10-game winning streak. Colorado went ahead on Kadri’s 19th goal of the season at 2:42 of the second period.

Alex Galchenyuk was the only scorer in the shootout and the Arizona Coyotes rallied to beat Colorado 3-2, snapping the Avalanche’s 18-game home winning streak.

Gabriel Landeskog tied the game with 36.5 seconds left in regulation and Cale Makar scored a power-play goal 3:01 into overtime as the Colorado Avalanche rallied past the Boston Bruins 4-3 for their 17th straight home victory.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — Nazem Kadri and Mikko Rantanen scored, Pavel Francouz made 23 saves for his third career shutout and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Monday night to extend their franchise-record home winning streak to 16 games. It was the seventh straight victory overall for the Avalanche, who tied the 1976 Boston Bruins for the fifth-longest home winning streak in NHL history. An empty-net goal by Colorado in the final moments was waved off for offside. NOTES: Blackhawks G Kevin Lankinen was placed on injured reserve with a hand injury sustained in Saturday’s overtime loss against Minnesota. ___More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Nazem Kadri and Mikko Rantanen scored, Pavel Francouz made 23 saves for his third career shutout and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 to extend their franchise-record home winning streak to 16 games.

Anti Racism Campaign Hockey In this photo provided by Budweiser Canada, Colorado NHL player Nazem Kadri poses in Scarborough, Ontario. Kadri, Akim Aliu, Minnesota’s Matt Dumba, Toronto’s Wayne Simmonds and Florida’s Anthony Duclair are members of the recently formed Hockey Diversity Alliance. The exchange proved so powerful it became the focal point of a two-minute video that debuted Saturday to launch an HDA campaign to eradicate racism in hockey. Budweiser Canada approached the HDA a year ago with its vision of the ad, with an emphasis on sending a strong message. “We believe that we need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable because that’s ultimately how we grow, learn, change and evolve,” Budweiser Canada senior director Mike D’Agostini said.

Members of the recently formed Hockey Diversity Alliance are sharing their painful experiences in launching a campaign to eradicate racism in the NHL.

The Colorado Avalanche became the first team in 26 years to score seven goals in three straight games with a 7-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings.

Logan O’Connor scored twice in a 22-second span in a five-goal second period, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Rangers 7-3, ending New York’s seven-game winning streak.

Avalanche Flyers Hockey Colorado Avalanche's Nazem Kadri celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, in Philadelphia. Mike Yeo took over as interim coach of the Flyers, but they didn't fare any better following the shakeup. Philadelphia entered with just nine goals in 67 chances on the man-advantage before scoring a pair in the high-scoring opening period. Flyers: Winger Joel Farabee (left shoulder) missed his third straight game. … C Derick Brassard (hip) was sidelined for the sixth straight game.

Erik Johnson had a goal and an assist, and the Colorado Avalanche beat Philadelphia 7-5 to hand the Flyers their ninth straight loss just hours after they fired coach Alain Vigneault.

Mark Stone scored on a breakaway 50 seconds into overtime as the Vegas Golden Knights overcame a two-goal deficit to beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 and take a 3-2 lead in their second-round playoff series.

Mikko Rantanen scored a power-play goal 2:07 into overtime, Philipp Grubauer outdueled fellow Vezina Trophy finalist Marc-Andre Fleury and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in their second-round playoff series.

Vegas forward Ryan Reaves was suspended two games by the NHL for his roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct on Colorado’s Ryan Graves during the Golden Knights’ 7-1 loss in Game 1 of their second-round series Sunday.

Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog each scored twice as the well-rested Colorado Avalanche made quick work of Vegas with their speed, beating the Golden Knights 7-1 in a skirmish-filled Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

Philipp Grubauer made 18 saves and Gabriel Landeskog scored the go-ahead goal in the second period to lift Colorado to a series sweep of the St. Louis Blues with a 5-2 win in Game 4 of the West Division series.

Ryan Graves had a goal and two assists, Philipp Grubauer made 31 saves, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 5-1 to take a 3-0 series lead in their first-round West Division matchup.

The NHL suspended Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri eight games for a hit that knocked St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk out of Game 2.

Kadri was removed from the game for the hit. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)NEW YORK — (AP) — Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri was suspended for eight games by the NHL on Friday night for a head shot on St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk in Game 2 of a first-round playoff series. Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly called it a dangerous hit that was “completely uncalled for.”Faulk was ruled out for Game 3. Two years ago, Kadri was suspended for the rest of the Maple Leafs’ playoff series against Boston for cross-checking, a punishment that ended up being five games. The veteran forward brings a physical edge to a speedy Colorado team.

Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri was suspended for eight games by the NHL on Friday night for a head shot on St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk in Game 2 of a first-round playoff series.

Kadri was suspended indefinitely Thursday pending a video hearing with the league's department of player safety for his illegal check to the head of St. Louis defenseman Justin Faulk in Game 2 of the teams’ playoff series. Kadri clipped Faulk in the head with his right elbow midway through the third period. Faulk left the game, and Kadri was thrown out with a match penalty. That combination helped Colorado reach the second round of the 2020 bubble playoffs with Kadri as a dominant offensive force. Chara played his first playoff game in Boston as a visitor on Wednesday night after 73 with the Bruins.

Blues Avalanche Hockey Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri, left, hits St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk in the third period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)Colorado’s Nazem Kadri was suspended indefinitely Thursday pending a video hearing with NHL officials over his illegal check to the head of St. Louis defenseman Justin Faulk in Game 2 of the teams' playoff series. Kadri clipped Faulk in the head with his right elbow midway through the third period Wednesday night. Faulk left the game, and Kadri was thrown out with a match penalty. The Avalanche lead the first-round series against the Blues 2-0 with Game 3 set for Friday night in St. Louis (9:30 p.m. EDT, USA Network).

Colorado’s Nazem Kadri is suspended indefinitely pending a video hearing with NHL officials over his illegal check to the head of St. Louis defenseman Justin Faulk.

The Blues lost defensemen Justin Faulk and Robert Bortuzzo during a 6-3 loss to the Avalanche. The Jets held Oilers' Connor McDavid without a point.

Nathan MacKinnon finished his first career playoff hat trick with an empty-net goal to help the Colorado Avalanche pull away late for a 6-3 win over St. Louis in Game 2 after the Blues avoided a pregame virus scare that nearly sidelined several players.

FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2019, file photo, St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko, right, is congratulated as he passes the team box after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Denver. Tarasenko makes his return after early season shoulder surgery that limited him to three goals in 10 games. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)