Avalanche vs Oilers Game 2 score: Pavel Francouz, Nazem Kadri lead Avs to 4-0 win

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As an early birthday present, Colorado backup goaltender Pavel Francouz received a whole lot of defense and a shutout to go with it.

Just not the nod to take over as the starter. That will have to wait.

Francouz stopped 24 shots for his second career playoff shutout, Nazem Kadri had three assists in a 2:04 span in the second period and the Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-0 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) moves the puck around the net against Colorado Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz (39) during the first period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Western Conference finals Thursday, June 2, 2022, in Denver.  (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

"Since the first seconds, I knew they would help me a lot so that made me more calm," said Francouz, who turned 32 on Friday. "I could just focus on my play."

AVALANCHE VS OILERS GAME 1 SCORE: COLORADO HOLDS OFF EDMONTON FOR WILD 8-6 VICTORY TO OPEN CONFERENCE FINAL

The Avalanche focused on proving a point — that a team known for its speed could also play some tenacious "D." It was under scrutiny after the Game 1 in which they won 8-6 but nearly squandered a four-goal lead.

This time, they locked in.

"Definitely a confidence booster," Kadri said. "We can play either way — we can score and we can defend."

Francouz grew stronger with every save he made as he stepped in for Darcy Kuemper, who left Game 1 with an upper-body injury. Francouz was serenaded with chants of "Frankie! Frankie!" from the crowd.

Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) celebrates a goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith