DENVER — Kaapo Kahkonen is finally getting his first start with the Avalanche almost three weeks after getting claimed off waivers. And if you had asked him on Oct. 10, I don’t think he would’ve imagined getting in on a day where Colorado is coming off a bad loss, is missing six of its top 10 forwards, and is facing a tough high-scoring Tampa Bay Lightning team that has six point-per-game or better forwards through nine games.
It’s going to be quite the test.
“I want him to do his job. Save the shots he’s supposed to save and mix a couple more in there,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “When you’re talking about goalies we’re looking at, just provide us a quality start.”
Admittedly, Bednar is aware that this isn’t quite the easiest task. But it was the plan all along. After making a stop in the AHL for a conditioning assignment, Kahkonen was called back up on Tuesday to give the Avs the third goalie option they’ve seemingly wanted since opening night. Kahkonen stopped 57-of-62 shots in the AHL over the weekend. This will be his first NHL game since April.
“I don’t know what it’s going to look like,” Bednar said. “It’ll be hairy at times, there’s no question. They’re a really good team, talented team. They don’t need a ton of chances to kill you, because they finish so well.”
Alexandar Georgiev will back up on Wednesday. Justus Annunen is getting the night off.
This article first appeared on Colorado Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.
