Avs pin hopes on Varlamov

DENVER — Injuries are a major reason why the Colorado Avalanche’s playoff chances are fading, but the possible return of Semyon Varlamov could provide some hope.

Varlamov, out with a nagging groin injury, may be back Thursday as the Avalanche try to bounce back from a defeat by continuing their success against the New Jersey Devils.

Colorado won the Central Division last season, but reaching the playoffs again is a tall order as it sits seven points back of Winnipeg for the Western Conference’s second wild-card spot with 15 games to play.

The Avalanche can point to a slew of injuries for the reason they’ve struggled, and they’re currently without defenceman Erik Johnson (knee), while forwards Nathan MacKinnon (broken foot) and Jamie McGinn (back) are lost for the season.