Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin Suspended for Six Months After Drug Test Failure

Colorado Avalanche faces uphill battle in playoffs as they lose key player to suspension and another to illness.

Valeri Nichushkin has been suspended for six months for failing a drug test, impacting the Avalanche's playoff run.
Head coach Jared Bednar expressed concern for both Nichushkin's well-being and the team's performance.
The Avalanche lost Game 4 to the Dallas Stars, now trailing 3-1 in the series.
Teammates expressed shock and disappointment but emphasized the need to focus on upcoming games.
This is the second consecutive postseason affected by Nichushkin's off-ice issues.