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Nathan MacKinnon leaves Game 7 after crashing into boards, returns

arun srinivasan
Contributing Writer
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) skates with the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Thursday, March 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
(AP Photo/Sam Hodde)

It looked like an absolute nightmare of a start for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7 of their second round series against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night as Nathan MacKinnon left early in the first period with an apparent shoulder injury.

The 23-year-old superstar — who finished the regular season with a career-high 41 goals and 99 points — awkwardly crashed into the boards and left the ice in obvious pain. Shortly thereafter, he went to the locker room for further examination.

MacKinnon was able to return to the game later in the first period, though. Unfortunately for his side, the Sharks had already taken advantage of his absence, scoring two goals in rapid succession.

Although he’s likely playing through some discomfort, MacKinnon took off and flew through the Sharks’ defence for a quality scoring chance moments after entering the game once again, only to be turned away by Martin Jones.

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