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Keeler: Darcy Kuemper or Pavel Francouz? For Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, it’s simple. Here’s why.

He didn’t say much then, either. Brent Belecki knew if Darcy Kuemper felt ready to rock by looking deep into his eyes. If he spotted any flame, even a flicker, burning from the soul to the pupils, the kid was good to go between the pipes.

“If people don’t know (Kuemper), they see him as a little quiet, or aloof, at times,” said Belecki, who was Kuemper’s position coach for two seasons with the Red Deer (Alberta) Rebels of the Western Hockey League.

“But it’s the exact opposite. You don’t need to yell and scream and take over the microphone.