COLUMBUS, Ohio — will be back in the lineup for the Avalanche Thursday against the Blue Jackets after missing the past 28 games because of a lower-body injury.
Avalanche coach said after the team’s morning skate at Nationwide Arena that Andrighetto will be on the left wing on the fourth line with center and right wing Gabriel Bourque.
Bednar said he’s not sure how much ice time Andrighetto will receive in his first action since Dec. 31, but he will be used on the power play.
“We’d like to be a four-line team tonight,” Bednar said in reference to Andrighetto’s return. “(The Blue Jackets) are going to be.”
Other line combinations will include , and together, as well as with and , Bednar said. The third line of , and Matthew Nieto will stay intact.
Bednar said of the changes, “Our big guys haven’t been as productive on the road as they’ve been on the road. If you split some of those guys up, and they have a (good) night, they can help some of the young guys get going. The young guys can help them get going. It gives opposing teams a little bit of a different challenge.”
In other news, Bednar said will make his 10th consecutive start in goal Thursday because he wants to get more practice time before Bernier returns from a concussion.
“Berns came (Wednesday) and skated and had a really good workout,” Bednar said. “It was pretty taxing for him. He’s been in a handful of practices, but we really wanted to push his level of work. He worked at a high rate (Wednesday).
“I’d like to get him in one more team practice,” Bednar continued. “(Friday) is a good opportunity for that. We’ll get through some 5-on-5 game-situation-type stuff. That will better prepare him for his start coming up.”
Bernier, who has missed eight games since he was injured Feb. 16 at Winnipeg, was activated from injured reserve on Monday. He made 34 saves in a 2-0 win against Columbus at on Jan. 4 as the Avalanche improved to 38-14-4 (.714) all-time against the Blue Jackets – their best record against any opponent.
Varlamov has allowed two or fewer goals in four of five starts since surrendering five goals on 29 shots Feb. 24 at Calgary. Varlamov is 7-5-1 with three shutouts, a 2.14 goals-against average and .935 save percentage all-time against Columbus.
