Nathan MacKinnon Set to Play in Crucial Game 4 as Avalanche Fight to Stay Alive.

The Colorado Avalanche received a major boost ahead of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, as star center Nathan MacKinnon is expected to suit up Tuesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights despite dealing with a knee injury suffered in Game 3.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Tuesday afternoon that MacKinnon will play as Colorado looks to avoid a series sweep on home ice. MacKinnon was injured during the second period of Sunday’s 4-3 loss after blocking a shot near his knee area. The superstar forward attempted to continue playing, taking two additional shifts before heading to the locker room for treatment. He later returned in the third period but was limited primarily to power-play situations. According to Bednar, the extra recovery time helped significantly. “He’s feeling a lot better today,” Bednar said Tuesday. “We expect him to play in all situations.” MacKinnon and winger Valeri Nichushkin both skipped the team’s optional morning skate, though Nichushkin remains a game-time decision after also being banged up in Game 3. Colorado players never seemed to doubt MacKinnon’s availability for such an important matchup. Veteran center Nazem Kadri praised his teammate’s toughness and commitment.

“He’s a warrior,” Kadri said. “We know he’ll give us everything he has.” Defenseman Brett Kulak echoed that confidence, pointing to MacKinnon’s dedication to preparation and recovery. MacKinnon has once again been the driving force for Colorado during the postseason, leading the club with seven goals and 15 points through 12 playoff games.

The Avalanche will also make a significant change in goal for Game 4. Bednar announced that Mackenzie Blackwood will get the start, replacing Scott Wedgewood after Colorado fell behind 3-0 in the series. Wedgewood posted an .877 save percentage during the series, prompting the coaching staff to turn back to Blackwood for the first time since Game 5 of the second round against the Minnesota Wild. Bednar expressed confidence that Blackwood can provide the spark Colorado needs. “If he’s loose and confident and playing his game, I think he has the ability to not only win us games but steal us games,” Bednar said.

Now facing elimination, the Avalanche will need both MacKinnon’s leadership and Blackwood’s performance to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.