NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Avalanche played without rookie defenseman Sam Girard in Game 2 on Saturday. Girard, who logged 22:07 and produced four shots in Game 1, was scratched with an upper-body injury.
The 19-year-old didn’t participate in Friday’s optional practice, but coach Jared Bednar said he was just resting. It turned out to be much more than requiring rest. Girard was replaced on the second pairing by rookie Duncan Siemens, who worked with Patrik Nemeth at even-strength. David Warsofsky replaced Girard on the second power-play unit.
The Avs already were without top defenseman Erik Johnson, who remains out with a fractured kneecap.