Avs in holding pattern, start prep for Cup Final

There were quite a few big names missing from the ice for the Avalanche’s practice on Thursday in Denver: Captain Gabriel Landeskog, defensemen Devon Toews and Josh Manson, forward Andre Burakovsky.

No need for concern, though.

Just a maintenance day for that particular group of Avs players as they rest up — and wait — to face either the Rangers or the two-time defending champion Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final.

Maybe of some concern were two more missing forwards: Nazem Kadri (thumb) and Andrew Cogliano (hand), who both recently underwent surgery. But they haven’t been ruled out from playing in the final, whenever that may be.

This time off could be just the window they need to return to health.

The Avs started their preliminary preparations Thursday even as they remain in a holding pattern.

The Rangers and Lightplayed

Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final Thursday night in New York with the series tied 2-2, but the game ended too late for this edition.

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