Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar both left the game against the Ottawa Senators in the second period due to injuries, putting their availability for the upcoming match against the Montreal Canadiens in limbo.
During the second period of the 4-3 overtime loss to the Senators, MacKinnon was involved in a battle for the puck with Ottawa’s Artem Zub. The defenseman shoved MacKinnon’s hip, causing him to fall to his knees. MacKinnon was seen clutching his side in discomfort and exited the game with a little more than eight minutes remaining in the period.
Shortly after MacKinnon’s departure, Makar suffered what appeared to be a non-contact injury. He was seen favoring his right leg and immediately left the ice.
He didn't come out for the third period. He had left Sunday's practice early because of an injury.
The team confirmed both MacKinnon and Makar sustained lower-body injuries on Thursday.
Head coach Jared Bednar told reporters that he was uncertain whether either player would be able to suit up for Saturday night’s matchup against Montreal.
“Obviously, they’re two of the best players in the world, so you like to have them, no doubt,” Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog told NHL.com. “But I don't think it's any different, right? Like you just play with whoever you got, whoever's ready to go, whoever's healthy and up, they play. So, hope those guys will be just fine.”
Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar injury updates
Both players left Thursday's loss with lower-body injuries. They were to travel to Montreal with the team, but their status for Saturday's game against the Canadiens is questionable.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar questionable for next game after injuries
