Bednar: Avalanche will take a limited Nathan MacKinnon as Colorado trails 3-0
The Colorado Avalanche are facing a tough challenge in the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. After going down 3-0 in the series, the Avalanche are now dealing with the possibility of not having Nathan MacKinnon at full strength due to a knee injury he sustained in a recent game.
Head coach Jared Bednar expressed his willingness to have MacKinnon on the ice in any capacity, even if it means he can only contribute in certain situations. With their backs against the wall, the Avalanche are focused on trying to avoid being swept by the Golden Knights.
The odds are not in the Avalanche’s favor, as history shows that teams that go down 3-0 in a series rarely come back to win. In fact, out of the 50 times a team has faced a 3-0 deficit in the conference finals or league semifinals, all 49 previous teams with that disadvantage ended up making it to the Stanley Cup Final.
Only four teams in NHL history have managed to erase a 3-0 deficit in any round, making the task ahead of the Avalanche even more daunting. Additionally, the so-called Presidents’ Trophy curse looms over the Avalanche, as the last team to win both the Presidents’ Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the same season was the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013.
Despite the challenges they face, the Avalanche remain confident in their abilities and are focused on taking the series one game at a time. Defenseman Josh Manson emphasized the need for smart urgency and desperation in their play, knowing that they must give their best effort to stay alive in the series.
As they look ahead to Game 4, the Avalanche are determined to show resilience and character in the face of adversity. While the odds may be stacked against them, they are not ready to give up just yet. The team understands the magnitude of the challenge ahead but believes in their ability to rise to the occasion.
In conclusion, the Avalanche are gearing up for their most difficult challenge yet, but they are prepared to give it their all in Game 4. The team’s pride and character will be on full display as they look to extend the series and make a comeback against the Golden Knights.
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