Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard ruled out with injury against Vegas Golden Knights – The Denver Post

Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard will miss at least one game resulting from an awkward check into the boards on Saturday from Lightning captain Steven Stamkos.

Coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Girard won’t be available on Tuesday when Colorado hosts the Vegas Knights at Ball Arena. He is still considered “day-to-day” for return with an upper-body injury.

Girard will be replaced in the lineup by defenseman Kurtis MacDermid. The Avalanche also recalled defenseman Jacob MacDonald from the Colorado Eagles (AHL) on Tuesday but he will not play against Vegas. Girard’s role on the second power-play unit will be filled by Bo Byram, Bednar said.

The Avs (2-3) are encouraged moving forward despite their first real injury test of the season.

“There are a lot of positives from (Saturday) night and some things we looked at that we can improve upon,” Bednar said.

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