Mackenzie Blackwood, San Jose Sharks set to face Colorado Avalanche

The San Jose Sharks returned Magnus Chrona to their AHL affiliate, likely meaning fellow goalie Mackenzie Blackwood will be available to play on the road Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche after he sat out the last two games with an illness.

Chrona started Thursday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers and allowed four goals on 11 shots before he was pulled after one period in favor of Kaapo Kahkonen. The Sharks lost the game 5-0 in what was their seventh-straight defeat.

Blackwood practiced Saturday in San Jose after he missed the team’s games earlier this week against the Oilers and Los Angeles Kings.

Blackwood is 4-14-2 this season with a .889 save percentage in 23 games for the Sharks (9-24-3).

Also Saturday, the Sharks activated defenseman Ty Emberson off of injured reserve. Emberson, who is averaging close to 18 minutes of ice time per game, was injured on Dec. 3 during the team’s morning skate hours before the Sharks faced the New York Rangers.

The Sharks are 4-8-1 this month. Colorado, which has an eight-game winning streak against San Jose, leads the Central Division with a 22-11-3 record.

Chrona started for the Barracuda on Saturday against the Bakersfield Condors at Tech CU Arena and stopped 24 of 27 shots in a 4-2 loss.

Girard to play: Samuel Girard is set to play for the Avalanche after he received care from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

Girard said he’ll play against San Jose in his first game since Nov. 18. He entered the program on Nov. 24, citing anxiety and depression leading to alcohol abuse as the reason for seeking help.

The league and Players’ Association said on Dec. 22 that Girard had entered the follow-up care phase of the joint program and was cleared to resume practicing. Playing is the next step.

Girard said Saturday he “obviously needed that” and thanked everyone for their support.