The hits keep coming for the suddenly shorthanded Colorado Avalanche.
Defenseman Devon Toews will not play in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars because of an illness, a team spokesman confirmed after he did not take part in warmups at Ball Arena.
The Avalanche is also going to be without Valeri Nichushkin, who was suspended for a minimum of six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the NHL-NHLPA Player Assistance Program, the league and players association announced about an hour before Game 4.
Toews is obviously a critical part of the Avalanche team. He’s one of the best No. 2 defensemen in the league, and has earned Norris Trophy votes in each of the past three seasons. He has a goal and six points in eight games, while averaging 23:46 of ice time per contest.
Jonathan Drouin is returning to the lineup and making his Avalanche playoff debut after missing the first eight postseason contests with a skate cut on his leg. Caleb Jones will draw in for Toews on defense.
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