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Czech Republic Olympian Pavel Francouz makes his NHL preseason debut with the Colorado Avalanche

Czech Republic-born goalie Pavel Francouz, who played the last three seasons for Chelyabinsk Traktor of the Russian-based Kontinental Hockey League, will make his NHL preseason debut Monday night when the Avalanche plays the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.

Francouz, 28, will start in net. The 2018 Olympian served as backup and didn’t play in Saturday’s 7-0 loss at Minnesota.

“It’s always easier if you know you’re starting and playing the game,” Francouz said after a morning skate at the Avs’ practice facility. “Going in in the middle of the game is hard. But it’s part of the game.