Colorado could possibly be without a key forward for Game 6

The Colorado Avalanche will have a second opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup, with Game 6 set for tonight in Tampa Bay. The Lightning took Game 5 on Friday night by a score of 3-2 and extended the series to a sixth game.

TSN's Chris Johnston reported that Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin had a noticeable limp while walking into the arena for the morning skate on Sunday and afterwards, head coach Jared Bednar told reporters that they're hoping the 27-year-old can play tonight.

Nichushkin has arguably been Colorado's best forward in the Stanley Cup Final thus far, recording four goals and two assists in five games and if he isn't able to play in Game 6, that would be a massive loss for the Avalanche.

The Chelyabinsk native had a breakout year with the Avalanche, putting up 52 points (25 goals, 27 assists) in 62 games during the regular season. He's added fifteen points (nine goals, six assists) in nineteen playoff games.

With a victory tonight, the Colorado Avalanche will win their third Stanley Cup in franchise history. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET on CBC and Sportsnet in Canada, ABC and ESPN+ in the United States.

Valeri Nichushkin had a noticeable limp walking into Amalie Arena this morning.

Jared Bednar, on Nichushkin's availability for Game 6: "Yeah we're hoping he's in tonight."— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 26, 2022

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