nbcsports
In a significant setback for one of the NHL's top Stanley Cup contenders, the Colorado Avalanche will be without star forward Nathan MacKinnon for a minimum of one month and standout defenseman Cale Makar for roughly two weeks, head coach Jared Bednar informed reporters on Saturday prior to the team's matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
Both players are dealing with lower-body injuries. MacKinnon and Makar exited during the second period of Colorado's 4-3 overtime defeat in Ottawa on Thursday night. MacKinnon fell to his knees clutching his right hip after being pushed by Senators defenseman Artem Zub while battling for the puck. Makar left the game favoring his right leg in what appeared to be a non-contact injury.
Key Analysis
MacKinnon has recorded 10 goals and 20 assists this season, while Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy recipient as the NHL's best defenseman, has contributed five goals and 18 assists. The absence of both stars poses a major challenge for the Avalanche as they aim to maintain their position among the league's elite.
Originally reported by nbcsports.