Overview
- Head coach Jared Bednar said Nichushkin is "going to miss some time" after leaving Tuesday’s win over the Ducks early in the third period with a lower-body injury, and the team has not set a return estimate.
- Nichushkin has 5 goals and 12 points in 17 games and has been a second-line regular with Brock Nelson and the net-front presence on the top power-play unit.
- Artturi Lehkonen took the top power-play net-front spot after Nichushkin exited, and possible replacements for his even-strength role include rookie Gavin Brindley, Victor Olofsson or a move back up for Gabe Landeskog, according to local reporting.
- Bednar said defenseman Samuel Girard is close to returning in the next one or two games, Logan O’Connor remains in a non-contact jersey and is roughly a week away, and Jack Ahcan was reassigned to the AHL.
- Colorado begins a three-game homestand against the Sabres, Islanders and Rangers after an 11-1-5 start that leads the league in points.