DENVER — Avalanche goalie Jonathan Bernier sat at his locker Saturday morning after practice while a group of reporters waited anxiously as he removed his skates and pads.
Coach Jared Bednar had already confirmed that goalie Semyon Varlamov will miss at least the rest of the regular season with a lower-body injury and that defenseman Erik Johnson is out six weeks with a fractured patella.
But with the cameras rolling, Bernier did not respond to a single question. And then a voice from across the room shouted out: "Atta-boy John."
It was left-winger Matt Nieto.
Bernier grinned.
Nieto and the rest of the Avalanche hope they can count on Bernier to be just as stubborn in net as he was with the media, because with four games left in Colorado's playoff chase, the team will lean on him.
Bernier appeared unfazed ahead of a 7 p.m. faceoff today at Anaheim. Colorado is a combined 17-6-7 without Johnson (9-2-5) and Varlamov (8-4-2) in the lineup.
"You've got to focus on the process and just play your game," Bernier said. "We're all confident in this room that we can pull this through. If everyone brings their A-game then we should be able to get into the playoffs."
Added Bednar: "(Bernier) has stepped up and elevated his game and won us a bunch of hockey games when Varley has been out before. Now we need him to do it again."
Colorado proved it could overcome Johnson's absence in Friday's 5-0 home victory against Chicago. Defenseman Tyson Barrie filled the void with a goal, two assists and a score-preventing stick save. And, Barrie wasn't the only depth player to lead the charge.
Avs right-winger Sven Andrighetto, in his first game back after missing the last three with a lower-body injury, scored twice against the Blackhawks. Critical timing considering the Avs totaled four goals overall while Andrighetto sat out.