Colorado’s star player Nathan MacKinnon is expected to take the ice for Tuesday’s critical Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights, despite nursing a right leg injury, head coach Jared Bednar announced. The Avalanche are fighting to stay alive in the Western Conference finals, currently facing elimination while down 3-0 in the series.
The 30-year-old forward skipped Tuesday morning’s optional practice session due to his injured right leg, but Bednar indicated MacKinnon was feeling significantly improved after taking a complete day of rest.
The injury occurred during Sunday’s game when MacKinnon blocked a one-timer from Shea Theodore, taking the shot directly to his right knee with less than eight minutes remaining in the second period.
MacKinnon dropped to the ice immediately and clutched his right leg after the puck struck the side of his knee. Despite being down on the ice, he managed to clear the puck beyond the blue line before being unable to stand, prompting officials to halt play for medical attention.
The injured star left the ice on his own but was clearly struggling. He attempted to continue playing, returning for two additional shifts before ultimately heading to the locker room late in the second period due to his discomfort.
During the third period, MacKinnon managed only one regular-strength shift, though he did contribute during a power play opportunity and when Colorado pulled their goaltender for a 6-on-5 advantage in the final minutes.
Throughout these playoffs, MacKinnon has recorded points in nine of Colorado’s 12 postseason games, including an assist in the first period of Sunday’s contest. His playoff total stands at 15 points, consisting of seven goals and eight assists. During the regular season, he topped the NHL with 53 goals.
Colorado winger Valeri Nichushkin, who sustained a lower-body injury during Game 3, also missed Tuesday’s practice and remains questionable for the upcoming game.
For the first time in the conference finals, the Avalanche will start goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood as they attempt to prevent being swept by the Knights.
