Colorado Hockey Daily has no direct affiliation to the Colorado Avalanche, NHL or NHLPA
Avalanche reeling as another health crisis erupts ahead of Canucks showdown
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche are facing a setback ahead of their matchup, as three players, Gabriel Landeskog, Parker Kelly, and Nathan MacKinnon, are all listed as questionable due to an illness.
On the bright side, Valeri Nichushkin should be making his return tonight against the Vancouver Canucks.
Health bug attacks the Avalanche again right before Canucks matchup.
Ryan O'Hara of The Hockey News highlighted rising concerns for the trio ahead of tonight's game. None of the three participated in Monday's practice, leaving their availability for Tuesday uncertain.
"MacKinnon, in particular, has been battling symptoms since Saturday, yet still took the ice-under clear physical duress-during Colorado's 7-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Remarkably, he produced a three-point performance despite feeling unwell, a feat that underscores the extraordinary caliber of his talent. In today's NHL, where the pace and physical demands are higher than ever, registering even a single point while sick is impressive; doing so three times borders on the exceptional." -O'Hara
MacKinnon is vital to Colorado's success, currently leading the league in points and goals while ranking second in assists.
He has a chance to claim the triple crown, something that hasn't been done in nearly 30 years. Meanwhile, Gabriel Landeskog is beginning to hit his stride as well.
"After a relatively modest start to the season, which included an unusual stretch of four disallowed goals, Landeskog has fully rediscovered his form during his first sustained period of consistent play in three years. Over his last nine games, he has recorded four goals and four assists, reaffirming his status as the emotional backbone of the Avalanche. His absence, should he be unable to play, would be felt as much on the bench as on the ice." -O'Hara
There is some hope the players will be ready to play tonight per Aarif Deen, but no official announcement from the team yet.
Nichushkin returns tonight for Avs. Landeskog, MacKinnon, and Kelly are all good to go
The Avalanche must carry their momentum into the holiday stretch, and they'll struggle to do so without these key players on the ice.
TRENDING NOW
