Colorado Avalanche try to forge ahead after losing Valeri Nichushkin to six-month suspension

The nameplate above the locker for Valeri Nichushkin has already been removed at the Colorado Avalanche's practice facility. For a second consecutive year, the Avalanche are on the brink of elimination from the playoffs with Nichushkin, one of their top players, unavailable due to circumstances away from the ice. Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay Monday night and placed in stage 3 of the league's player assistance program. The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association announced the news about an hour before the start of the Avalanche's 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars that left them trailing 3-1 in the second-round series.