Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon was forced to leave Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights after blocking a shot in the second period.
Shea Theodore's point shot appeared to catch MacKinnon on the side of the right knee. MacKinnon was down on the ice in visible pain before limping off to the bench.
Nathan MacKinnon was in some serious pain after blocking a shot. pic.twitter.com/wZ7V1RvzRG
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2026
He played two more brief shifts in the second period - the final one lasting just 16 seconds - before heading down the tunnel prior to the end of the frame.
MacKinnon initially didn't come out for the start of the third period. He eventually returned but only took three shifts in the final frame and looked significantly hindered by his injury.
Colorado head coach Jared Bednar did not offer a postgame update on MacKinnon's status.
The Avalanche wound up losing the game 5-3, digging themselves into a 3-0 series hole.
A Hart Trophy finalist, MacKinnon led the NHL with 53 goals during the regular season. He paces the Avalanche with 15 points in 12 games this postseason.
