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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard's availability for Game 1 against the Winnipeg Jets hangs in the balance as he continues to recover from a recent concussion.
The 25-year-old had to sit out the last couple of regular season games, but joined in for an optional practice session on Sunday morning, gearing up for the big opener against the Jets.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar provided an update on Girard's condition and potential availability for the game.
Responding to a query about Girard's status, Bednar stated (via Kyle Fredrickson, Colorado Avalanche beat writer)
"He's feeling better. He's possibly an option for tonight. Have to wait and see."
Girard racked up three goals and 15 assists in 59 games this season.
Colorado Avalanche dominated Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Sam Girard's absence
The Colorado Avalanche closed their regular season with a dominant 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, propelled by Valeri Nichushkin's two goals and Nathan MacKinnon's two assists.
MacKinnon set a record for the most points in a single season in franchise history. He ended the season with 140 points, breaking Peter Stastny's record from the 1981-82 season.
MacKinnon might've missed out on snagging the Art Ross Trophy for the top points scorer, which ended up going to Nikita Kucherov from the Tampa Bay Lightning. But he's still in the running for the Hart Trophy, the league's MVP award, along with some other heavy hitters like Kucherov, Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid.
The Avalanche secured their league-best 31st home win and are gearing up for the playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets.
The Oilers, resting several key players including McDavid, struggled against the Avalanche's relentless offense. Edmonton couldn't overcome the early deficit, with goaltender Stuart Skinner conceding four goals in the first period and being replaced by Calvin Pickard.
MacKinnon joined Kucherov in the 140-point club, with only seven seasons featuring multiple players reaching that milestone, the last instance being in 1995-96 with Jaromir Jagr and Mario Lemieux.
The game wasn't without concern for the Avalanche, as forward Jonathan Drouin appeared shaken up late in the second period.
