Darcy Kuemper focused on Capitals debut not Avalanche raising banner

Darcy Kuemper will make his Washington Capitals debut Wednesday night in the net. On the same night, the Colorado Avalanche will raise its Stanley Cup championship banner from last season. Kuemper was the netminder that led the Avalanche to that championship.

Now, he’s the goaltender for the Capitals after signing a five-year, $26.25 million contract in free agency.

Kuemper says he’ll focus on the task in front of him rather than Colorado raising the banner.

“I’ll probably watch a highlight of it, but it is what it is,” Kuemper said, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. “I won’t be thinking about that tomorrow at all, not till after the game, for sure.”

Last season was Kuemper’s lone with the Avalanche. However, it was a magical one. Kuemper compiled a 37-12-4 record in 57 starts with a 2.54 goals-against-average, and a .921 save percentage. He carried over his magic into the postseason in route to Colorado winning the Stanley Cup.

Kuemper is looking to have the same magic for the Capitals this season. Washington hosts the Boston Bruins to open the regular season at 7:00 pm ET. The Avalanche hosts the Chicago Blackhawks at 9:30 pm ET. Both games are part of TNT’s doubleheader.