The Colorado Avalanche pulled off a thrilling comeback against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night, securing a shootout victory after being down 2-0 in the third period. However, the win came at a cost. Forward Jonathan Drouin, who was injured early in the game after taking a hit to his lower body from a Blackhawks player, was forced to leave the ice and did not return.
After the game, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Drouin suffered a lower-body injury and would undergo further evaluation. “He wasn’t able to go back in,” Bednar stated, adding that no further updates were available at the time.
Drouin, who has been a key contributor for the Avalanche this season, with 11 goals and 26 assists, has dealt with injuries throughout the year, missing 33 games earlier in the season. His chemistry with Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas has formed one of the team’s most effective offensive lines, and the Avalanche will need him healthy for a deep playoff run.
With only six games remaining in the regular season, including a back-to-back against Columbus on Thursday, the team may choose to be cautious with Drouin’s recovery. The Avalanche have already locked up the No. 3 seed in the Central Division, but with the postseason approaching, the team wants to ensure Drouin is ready for the playoffs. If he is sidelined for an extended period, players like Ross Colton or Logan O’Connor could step in and take on larger roles.
Today, the Avalanche officially announced that Drouin’s injury would be re-evaluated, with his status for the remaining games and playoffs to be determined as more information becomes available.
