Colorado Avalanche Lose Nathan MacKinnon to Injury

The Colorado Avalanche played Friday night's game against the Los Angeles Kings without their best player as Nathan MacKinnon missed the action with a lower-body injury.

The injury apparently occurred sometime during Wednesday's game against the San Jose Sharks and forced the Avs star to watch on Friday. There's a strong sense this was a precautionary move to ensure he's ready to go at full-speed come playoff time next week. The superstar played 20:28 of ice-time during Wednesday's loss to the Sharks and the Avs are obviously going to need him in the lineup for game one of the playoffs if they want to have any postseason success.

MacKinnon has recorded 65 points in 49 games this season, ranking second on the team with 20 goals. The Avs sit second in the West Division behind the Vegas Golden Knights, who beat the St Louis Blues on Friday night. It looks like Vegas will clinch top spot with the Avs sitting #2 in the West.

It's a safe bet MacKinnon is in the lineup game 1 of the playoffs. Don't worry too much Avs fans.