The Colorado Avalanche’s playoff push has taken a dramatic turn at the worst possible moment as uncertainty looms over the availability of star forward Nathan MacKinnon in Game 4. 

MacKinnon got injured in Game 3 of the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights. He left the game under concerning circumstances after a painful injury scare.

The incident happened in the second period when MacKinnon tried to block a shot that appeared to hit him on his right knee. He then missed most of the third period as the Colorado Avalanche lost the game 5-3. 

The forward's condition is now grabbing headlines before Game 4. He returned briefly in the third period and played in a few shifts, but he was clearly not fully fit.

As per ClutchPoints, there's no official update on his condition. Thus, his availability for Game 4 is uncertain. The Avalanche are already 0-3 down in the series and face elimination; missing their top offensive player would be a big setback.

Goaltender Scott Wedgewood highlighted MacKinnon's importance to the team’s identity and competitiveness. He also said MacKinnon is willing to play even when he is in pain.

“Obviously, we might have to k*** him to get him off the ice. It's just the kind of person he is and the competitor he is,” Wedgewood told ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski. “He wants to win more than anybody, and that's just another example.”

MacKinnon has contributed 15 points in 12 postseason games this season, including 7 goals. However, he has yet to score a goal in the Western Conference Finals.

If healthy, MacKinnon must provide more to help his team mount a historic comeback.

Avalanche Face Historic Odds as Elimination Looms

Apart from MacKinnon’s injury, the Colorado Avalanche are now facing an uphill battle in the series. A loss in Game 4 would end Colorado's postseason run.
Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven playoff series. Furthermore, no team has ever come back after losing the first two games at home.

As for Colorado's performance in Game 3, they raced to a commanding 3-0 lead. However, the night quickly turned sour as they succumbed to a 5-3 comeback against Vegas.

Despite the loss, Wedgewood remained confident about the team’s mentality heading into a must-win Game 4. 

“No one's backing down from the challenge, but they're not making it easy,” he said. “It's going to take a tremendous effort, and we'll find a way to do it.”

With Game 4 taking place in Vegas on May 26, Colorado must find every ounce of resolve to save their season. Do you think they can win the next match and keep the series alive?

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul