Avalanche Beat Capitals 5-2 Without Nichushkin After Crash

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin missed Monday's home game against the Washington Capitals after being involved in a car accident on his way to the arena, but the team still secured a 5-2 victory. The 30-year-old Russian winger sustained minor injuries in the incident and was held out as a precaution, according to head coach Jared Bednar.

Bednar provided limited details after the game, describing the crash as a multi-vehicle fender bender on icy roads following an overnight snowfall. "He came to the rink and got checked out," Bednar said. "Everything seems to be OK, just not good enough to play today." The coach added that Nichushkin would be evaluated further, noting, "We'll see what tomorrow brings for him." Bednar emphasized the precautionary nature of the decision, saying the accident was serious enough to sideline him but not cause major concern.

Nichushkin has been a key contributor this season, recording 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 38 games. He already missed eight contests earlier due to a lower-body injury. His absence marked another off-ice issue for the veteran, who was suspended for at least six months in May 2024 and entered Stage 3 of the...