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MacKinnon Returns for Game 4 as Colorado Trails 3-0

5/27/2026

47 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

MacKinnon Returns

Nathan MacKinnon will suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals as Colorado trails 3-0.
He missed Tuesday’s skate after a right-leg injury from blocking Shea Theodore’s one-timer in the second period of Game 3.
He returned for a power-play and 6-on-5 shift before leaving the ice.
Colorado will start goaltender Blackwood while Valeri Nichushkin remains a game-time decision after Game 3 injury and MacKinnon has 15 points in 12 games.

Summary

Stanley Pup Launches

The NHL’s “Stanley Pup” campaign will air on June 8 on truTV and HBO Max, pairing playoff excitement with a rescue-dog adoption drive.
The program features adoptable puppies and aims to increase shelter adoptions during the postseason.
Nathan MacKinnon entered the playoffs as the Rocket Richard Trophy winner after scoring 53 goals in 80 regular-season games.

History

Historical Context

The 1994-95 NHL lockout lasted 104 days, cutting the season to 48 games that began Jan 20 1995 and prompting the Quebec Nordiques’ move to become the Colorado Avalanche in summer 1995. That financial restructuring under Commissioner Gary Bettman created fan-engagement tools, now reflected in the 2024 Western Conference finals as Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon misses action and the league launches the ‘Stanley Pup’ adoption drive.

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MacKinnon Returns

Nathan MacKinnon will suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals as Colorado trails 3-0.
He missed Tuesday’s skate after a right-leg injury from blocking Shea Theodore’s one-timer in the second period of Game 3.
He returned for a power-play and 6-on-5 shift before leaving the ice.
Colorado will start goaltender Blackwood while Valeri Nichushkin remains a game-time decision after Game 3 injury and MacKinnon has 15 points in 12 games.

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