Avalanche Star Nathan MacKinnon Will Play in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final
- On Tuesday, star forward Nathan MacKinnon will play Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights despite a knee injury sustained in Game 3, head coach Jared Bednar confirmed after observing him move better during morning skate.
- MacKinnon's injury occurred in Game 3's second period when he blocked a Shea Theodore shot with his knee; teammate Valeri Nichushkin also suffered injury in Saturday's 5-3 loss that gave Vegas a commanding 3-0 series lead.
- Goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood will replace Scott Wedgewood in net for Game 4, his first start since the series-clinching Game 5 against Minnesota, after Wedgewood posted a 0-3 record with a 3.16 goals-against average.
- Bednar emphasized the team operates with a "nothing to lose" mindset, saying Blackwood "plays better when he's loose and confident," while defenseman Cale Makar expressed "utmost faith" in the goaltender, calling him "a gamer."
- Colorado faces a historic challenge needing to become just the third NHL team since 2010 to win four consecutive playoff games to avoid elimination, while a Vegas victory would send the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2023.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Beckley Register-Herald
Mackenzie Blackwood plays well, just not well enough, as Avalanche swept from playoffs
Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar’s decision to replace goaltender Scott Wedgewood with Mackenzie Blackwood for Game 4 of the Western Conference Final wasn’t a bad idea, if only the backup netminder had gotten goal support. The Vegas Golden Knights completed…
Associated Press News
Hoping to stave off elimination, Avalanche turn to goalie Mackenzie Blackwood in Game 4
Colorado coach Jared Bednar announced Mackenzie Blackwood will replace Scott Wedgewood in net for Game 4, as the Avalanche hope to stave off elimination in the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon will play in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final
LAS VEGAS Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon will play in Game 4, coach Jared Bednar said Tuesday morning.MacKinnon will play despite getting injured in Game 3. Valeri Nichushkin, who was also injured in a 5-3 loss Saturday night that put the Avs at the brink of elimination, remains a game-time decision.I think well be able to use him (normally), Bednar said. Hes feeling a lot better today. Well see when he gets on the ice tonight and what…
Avs' MacKinnon limited after taking shot to knee
As if things couldn't get any worse for the Colorado Avalanche, who fell into a 3-0 hole in the Western Conference finals with Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, they may now also be without star player Nathan…
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