Kuemper of Avalanche leaves Game 1 against Oilers with upper-body injury

DENVER — Darcy Kuemper sustained an upper-body injury and is doubtful to return for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Ball Arena on Tuesday.

Kuemper allowed three goals on 15 shots before leaving the game at 7:19 of the second period. He was relieved by Pavel Francouz.

The Avalanche had a 6-3 lead when Kuemper left. He was delayed coming out at the start of the second because of an equipment issue.

Kuemper entered the game 6-2 with a 2.44 goals-against average and .904 save percentage in nine Stanley Cup Playoff starts. He sustained an eye injury in Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round against the Nashville Predators and did not play in Game 4. Francouz made 31 saves in a 5-3 win for the Avalanche, who swept the Predators.

Kuemper was 37-12-4 with a 2.54 GAA, .921 save percentage and five shutouts in 57 starts during the regular season. He is 13-8-0 with a 2.71 GAA, .910 save percentage and one shutout in 27 career playoff games (23 starts) with the Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes and Minnesota Wild.