Nazem Kadri returns to lineup, scores winner in overtime for Colorado Avalanche in Game 4

TAMPA, Fla. — In his series debut, Nazem Kadri scored the game-winning goal in overtime as the Colorado Avalanche outlasted the Tampa Bay Lightning, 3-2, in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final Wednesday.

The Avalanche now lead the series, 3-1, and can win their first title since 2001 on Friday night in Game 5 at home.

Kadri had missed four straight games, dating back to the last series, since suffering a broken thumb June 4. He wore a regular burgundy sweater and participated in drills with the Avalanche's second power-play unit in Wednesday morning skate, and took a normal shift on the second line all game.

The goal was his seventh of the postseason and ended a night in which he had 25 shifts and 18:39 time on the ice.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar was hopeful on Wednesday morning about Kadri's participation, but he did not reveal his official return at any point.

«He's getting better every day,» Bednar said, when asked if Kadri would play. «If he can do all the functions that it takes to play a hockey game and is feeling comfortable with it, he's a guy we'll put back in. He's been skating, legs feel good. It's just about managing, I guess, the pain he's dealing with.»

On the other end of the ice, Darcy Kuemper was back in the starter's net for the Avalanche after being pulled from Game 3. Colorado's incumbent netminder allowed five goals on 22 shots before getting the hook and being replaced by Pavel Francouz. But in Game 4, he was sharp, allowing just two goals on 40 Tampa Bay shots.

«Same with the rest of our team; I feel like he's done a nice job with that,» Bednar said before the game. «He's followed up good performances with better performances. He's elevated his game when we've needed him to this year. He's done it all