It did not take long for the winger to hoist his first Stanley Cup, as he won the Cup in 1986 with the Habs. Wherever he went in the NHL, wins followed. His style of play continues to influence players across the league.

Lemieux was the classic prototype of a forward you love when he is on your team and hate when he is not. More often than not, that description fits natural-born winners best, and Lemieux was no exception. His immediate impact on the Canadiens earned him an eternal place among the franchise’s most beloved players.

In fact, Lemieux recently raised the torch in Montreal’s pregame ritual before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final. His appearance at Bell Centre earlier this week makes his passing all the more difficult to digest and comprehend—if there is even a way to do so.

Lemieux’s Stanley Cup conquests

Though unrelated to Mario Lemieux, Claude made his last name proud with a remarkable career. He joined a very short list of players to have won the Stanley Cup with three different teams. Claude Lemieux hoisted Lord Stanley four times in his career: in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens, 1995 with the Colorado Avalanche, and 1996 and 2000 with the New Jersey Devils.

Furthermore, Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his production during the 1995 conquest. During those Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Quebecker registered 16 points (13 goals and 3 assists) in 20 games for the Devils.

Lemieux represented Canada Hockey multiple times and helped his country crown itself champion in the 1985 World Junior Hockey Championship and the 1987 Canada Cup. Time and again, Claude proved to be a winner. Winning was all he did in the NHL, and it is what he will forever be remembered for in Montreal, Denver, Newark, and across the entire league.

Lemieux’s stats

Across his long NHL career—which extended over three different decades and two different centuries—Lemieux played 1,215 games, registering 379 goals and 407 assists for a total of 786 points. He ended his career with a 0.65 points-per-game average.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however, he became a different beast—an untamable one at that. Across 234 postseason games, Lemieux recorded 158 points (80 G, 78 A), posting a 0.68 points-per-game average.

Following his crowning with the Devils in 2000, Lemieux had one-year stints with the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars in 2001-02 and 2002-03, respectively. After a five-year hiatus, Lemieux returned for his final NHL season in 2008-09, in which he played one game for the San Jose Sharks before hanging up the skates.

The Avalanche superstar suffered a concerning lower-body injury during Game 3 after blocking a Shea Theodore slap shot, leaving Colorado anxiously waiting to determine whether its leading scorer can play in a must-win situation tonight.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar admitted after practice that the team may not know his final status until close to puck drop, though the organization remains hopeful the former Hart Trophy winner can suit up.

What injury is Nathan MacKinnon dealing with?

Nathan MacKinnon is dealing with a lower-body injury after blocking a Shea Theodore slap shot in Game 3. He appeared to injure his knee or leg area during the second period and was visibly limited for the rest of the game.

He briefly returned to the ice later in the game, but his shifts became noticeably shorter and he played only limited minutes during the third period of their 5-3 loss. Colorado has since listed him as day-to-day ahead of Game 4 in Las Vegas.

The injury came at a brutal moment. He has remained the team’s offensive leader throughout the postseason and has continued to play heavy minutes despite the physical intensity of the series.

What did Jared Bednar say about Nathan MacKinnon’s injury?

Jared Bednar said the Avalanche are hopeful Nathan MacKinnon can play in Game 4, but his status remains uncertain. The Colorado head coach avoided giving a definitive update after practice.

Bednar acknowledged that he was clearly limited after blocking the shot in Game 3, though he also praised the forward for attempting to continue playing despite the pain. According to the NHL, the coach described the situation as something the medical staff would continue monitoring throughout Tuesday.

What is Nathan MacKinnon’s playoff record against the Golden Knights?

Nathan MacKinnon has consistently produced offensively against the Vegas Golden Knights during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, even though Colorado has experienced mixed team results in the matchup.

One of the most memorable series between the two teams came in 2021, when Vegas eliminated Colorado in six games during the second round despite MacKinnon scoring in the opening games of the series.

He has repeatedly been a difficult matchup for Vegas because of his speed through the neutral zone and ability to generate offense off the rush. Even during this year’s Western Conference Final, he remained the offensive focal point.

What is the Avalanche’s record without Nathan MacKinnon?

The Colorado Avalanche have historically remained competitive without Nathan MacKinnon, posting an all-time record of 46-27-5 in games he has missed. They have maintained a positive goal differential without its superstar center.

During the 2025-26 season specifically, the Avalanche went 2-0-0 in regular-season games without him. They defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-2 in February before closing the regular season with a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken.

Even with those encouraging numbers, his absence still changes the offense. The 30-year-old center led the NHL with 53 goals during the 2025-26 regular season and finished with 127 total points, once again serving as a centerpiece.

Have the Avalanche ever come back from a 3-0 playoff deficit?

No, the Colorado Avalanche have never come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series in franchise history. They now face that challenge after dropping the first three games against Vegas in the 2026 Western Conference Final.

Historically, NHL teams trailing 3-0 in a best-of-seven series almost never recover. Only four teams in NHL history have successfully completed a comeback from a 3-0 series deficit. Colorado’s most famous postseason success came during its 2022 Stanley Cup championship run under Jared Bednar.

“For him to be able to come back out and even help us on the power play and empty-net situations, if that’s all he can do, we’ll take it,” Bednar commented on MacKinnon after Game 3, via TSN. ”It’s better than anything else, in my opinion, we can put on the ice.”

Bednar’ comments on MacKinnon could signal the Avalanche star may be cleared to play in the NHL Western Conference Final. After all, if he was able to return in Game 3, the odds of him being back in Game 4—with some rest and treatment—should be quite positive.

The Avalanche will walk into T-Mobile Arena with their season on the line. The NHL’s Presidents’ Trophy winners seem dead to rights as the Golden Knights have them all figured out. If MacKinnon is indeed out for Game 4, it may as well be all she wrote for Colorado in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

What happened to MacKinnon?

MacKinnon has been playing through pain lately. During Game 3, the Avalanche’s star blocked a shot from Shea Theodore which hit him in his right knee. MacKinnon played a couple more shifts before heading down the tunnel.

As he returned from the locker room, he was sent onto the ice in man-advantage situations. Still, he looked far from 100%. As Bednar noted, the Avs know that even if he isn’t at full capacity MacKinnon can still produce and be impactful.

MacKinnon may want to play either way

In Game 4, in a true win-or-go-home situation, the medical team may have its concerns about playing MacKinnon, but the star might not give them a choice. “You might have to kill MacKinnon to get him off the ice,” Scott Wedgewood summed everything up after Game 3.

Colorado definitely hopes it doesn’t go that far and it can play its best player in the Avs’ biggest game of the season, yet. From here on out, every game will be the biggest of the year for the franchise in Mile High City. However, if MacKinnon isn’t cleared to play, the Avalanche will have to dig deep and find a way to get out of the Golden Knights’ chokehold.

Without the young star on the ice, the team’s structure changes significantly, forcing adjustments in breakout speed, defensive pairings and power-play execution against a disciplined Vegas forecheck.

For now, the NHL team is being cautious with his recovery. But since Makar was seen taking warmups before the game, it looks like he might suit up tonight.

Cale Makar injury update ahead of Game 3

Cale Makar is dealing with an undisclosed upper-body injury that has already forced him to miss the series opener at Ball Arena, where Colorado fell 4-2 to Vegas and struggled to control transitions without their top blue-liner. Two days later, he was also out during Colorado’s 3-1 loss to Vegas.

The Avalanche were visibly disrupted in Games 1 and 2 without Makar’s presence on the blue line, especially in puck movement and breakout execution against a structured Golden Knights forecheck.

His absence also impacted their power play efficiency, forcing coach Jared Bednar to rely on deeper defensive rotations and heavier minutes for secondary pairing options as Vegas capitalized on key second-period opportunities.

How Cale Makar’s absence impacts the Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar’s absence significantly weakens the Colorado Avalanche’s defensive structure, breakout speed and power-play efficiency against the Vegas Golden Knights.

In Game 1, Colorado immediately felt the impact of missing their Norris Trophy defenseman, as they struggled to generate clean zone exits and were often trapped under Vegas pressure in a 4-2 defeat.

Without him, the Avalanche lose their most important transition player — someone who normally drives the puck from the defensive zone and instantly turns pressure into offense. Makar’s absence in Game 2 once again proved costly.

Vegas was able to extend shifts in Colorado’s end, forcing backup defensemen into heavier minutes and disrupting the team’s usual rhythm between Nathan MacKinnon’s line and the blue line.

When could Cale Makar return?

Cale Makar remains officially day-to-day, meaning his return to the Western Conference Finals is possible but not guaranteed. Current reports indicate the Colorado Avalanche are monitoring his upper-body injury closely.

Team updates throughout the series have emphasized caution, especially given his workload and importance in all situations — even-strength, power play and penalty kill. In playoff contexts, Colorado avoids rushing him back.

“I just said execution like five times. I think that’s what hurt us,” MacKinnon told reporters after the game, via NHL.com. “It needs to be better. And, you know, obviously we’re capable of being a lot better than that.”

The Vegas Golden Knights got the best of MacKinnon’s Avalanche en route to a 4-2 victory in Game 1. Colorado is sensing the pressure as it trails in a series for the first time in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Avalanche lose first home game of the playoffs

Up until its defeat against Vegas, Colorado was undefeated at Ball Arena in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avs are 5-1 at home, whereas the Knights are 5-2 on the road so far in this year’s postseason.

Moreover, the last time the Avs had lost an opening game was in the 2024 postseason—Game 1 of the first round against the Winnipeg Jets. They ended up turning the tables and advancing with a 4-1 series win, so perhaps this serves as a wake-up call for MacKinnon and company.

Tortorella warns Avalanche about Hart

Despite a concerning start to the playoffs, John Tortorella and the Golden Knights stuck with Carter Hart in net. Needless to say, patience has been a virtue and has paid off for the team in Sin City so far. Following yet another strong outing in Game 1 against Colorado Avalanche, Tortorella praised Hart’s resilience with a sincere comment.

“[Hart] is a hell of a goalie. I think he’s grown so strong mentally. I don’t think much bothers him. He is just zeroed in,” Tortorella said about his goaltender, via TSN. “And he’s going to have to be, because we’ve got a lot of work to do here.”

Hart is a problem for Avalanche

Hart was the first star of the night in Game 1 as he stopped 36 shots and finished with a .947 save percentage (SV%). So far in the playoffs, he has registered a 2.35 goals-against average (GAA) and a .920 SV% through 13 games.

Among goalies with at least eight games played in the postseason, Hart ranks fourth in goals saved above expected (6.3), according to data from MoneyPuck. Hart also has the second-most saves against unblocked shot attempts with 826 stops.

His numbers only go to show how much work is left to be done by MacKinnon and the Avalanche. If they want to advance past Vegas, the Avs must make Hart uncomfortable because the 27-year-old netminder has finally settled into the crease in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

“Colorado’s Josh Manson has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for butt-ending Minnesota’s Michael McCarron,” the NHL‘s Department of Player Safety announced on its social media, @NHLPlayerSafety.

Though many argued Manson should have been assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for the dangerous maneuver involving the butt end of his stick, several rule analysts agree officials got the call right. However, supplemental discipline was to be expected. Colorado may have escaped with a slap on the wrist, as Manson will not face a suspension and is cleared to play in Game 5 against Minnesota.

Manson and McCarron will meet again

Fortunately for McCarron, he came away pretty much unscathed from his abrupt meeting with Manson’s butt end. With Manson healthy and eligible to dress as well, the two are set to meet again in Game 5.

Needless to say, fans can expect the Wild to respond in some fashion. However, Minnesota can’t lose sight of what really matters or get too carried away in its quest for vengeance. Down 3-1 in the series and with a trip to the Western Conference Final on the line, McCarron knows the stakes far exceed any personal vendetta.

Avs are one win away from WCF

The best way to get back at Manson and the Avalanche is by coming away with a massive road win to stay alive and drag the Avs back to the Twin Cities. In order to force a Game 6 back in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Wild must steal one in the Mile High City.

So far, no team has beaten Colorado at Ball Arena in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The last time the Wild won a playoff game in Denver was in Game 7 of their first-round matchup in the 2014 postseason. Since then, they are 10-12-4 in road games against the Avs—all in the regular season.

It’s all easier said than done. As if overcoming a 3-1 deficit wasn’t already a nearly impossible task on its own, doing so against the Presidents’ Trophy winners—with two of the potential three remaining games being played in their own barn, and that same team being Colorado—could well be all she wrote for Minnie.

“I know I need to play better and create more offensively,” Kaprizov admitted to reporters on Monday, via The Athletic’s Michael Russo. Kaprizov recorded an assist during the Wild‘s 9-6 loss against the Avalanche in Game 1.

Although he wasn’t held scoreless, it was tougher to notice Kaprizov during some stretches of the game, especially considering how big of a factor he was during the first-round series against the Dallas Stars. For the first time in the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kaprizov finished with a negative plus/minus (-2) in the series opener against Colorado.

The Wild need Kaprizov

Taking on a team with the likes of MacKinnon, Makar, Nelson, Kadri, Necas, and many more, Kaprizov is well aware the Wild can’t afford for him to have such quiet outings. He has now set his mind on being impossible to miss every time he hits the ice. Fortunately, Kaprizov’s shot at redemption will come quickly.

The Wild will take on the Avs in Game 2 at Ball Arena on May 5. The two sides will then be in for a three-game break, as Game 3 will be on May 9 back in the Twin Cities. For Kaprizov and Minnesota, coming away with one in the Mile High City is paramount.

Potential goaltending change

Although none of Colorado’s nine goals can be blamed on rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, he did, in fact, give up eight goals (the ninth of the night was an empty-netter) in a playoff game. That’s never been a recipe for success in the NHL, let alone in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Thus, despite Wallstedt playing lights out throughout the opening round, Wild head coach John Hynes hasn’t committed to naming the former first-round pick in 2021 as the starter for Game 2. “Hynes hasn’t made lineup decisions for tomorrow yet, including his goaltender,” per Michael Russo on X.

Filip Gustavsson could man the crease instead. Gustavsson last started for Minnesota on April 13. Despite playing more games throughout the regular season than Wallstedt, the veteran ultimately lost the crease to the rookie as the Wild opted to ride the hot hand. Gustavsson may have his chance to reclaim his starting job. Whether its Gustavsson or Wallstedt in net, it’s clear Kaprizov and company must do a better job in front of their goalie if they want to have any chance against MacKinnon and the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche.

Back in February, the Rangers put an end to the speculation around Panarin and traded “The Breadman” to the Kings. Essentially, it was Panarin (signed to a full no movement clause) who chose Los Angeles, and left New York with no choice but to work out a deal with the organization in the City of Angels. The Kings sent prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round selection in 2026.

As reported by Peter Baugh of The Athletic, the conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft would have become a second-rounder had the Kings won one round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche made sure that didn’t happen. As a result, the Rangers own the 81st overall pick in this year’s draft, courtesy of the Panarin trade with the Kings.

How many picks will NY Rangers have in 2026?

As the Kings’ conditional selection sent to the Rangers is confirmed to be a third-round pick, 81st overall, the Blueshirts have a better understanding of where they will operate in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

As it stands, New York owns 11 draft picks in 2026—7 of which are in the top 100, including two first-rounders. The Rangers’ own pick in the first round is a lottery pick, meaning they have an 11.5% chance of coming away with the No. 1 selection, which is projected to be Penn State star Gavin McKenna.

Kings’ elimination also costs NY Rangers a 4th rounder

Under the terms agreed upon by both sides in the Panarin trade, New York would have received a second-round pick instead of a third-rounder had Los Angeles won a single playoff round. Moreover, if the Kings had made it past two rounds and reached the Western Conference Final, the Rangers would have been handed an extra fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.

Realistically, the odds were never on the Kings’ side to make it that far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The fact they entered the postseason as the lowest seed in the entire bracket only made things that much harder. For the Rangers, the fact their draft capital was in the hands of a weak Kings side is only another bad look for Chris Drury and company.

Rangers were left no choice but to trade with Kings

However, the front office had its hands tied, as Panarin made it clear he’d only waive his NMC for a move to Hollywood. Needless to say, Los Angeles was never going to pay a king’s ransom for the “Breadman,” and even if it wanted to go on a deep run, the Wild West’s playoff picture made it clear the Kings were in for a steep climb and an improbable run.

After all, there’s a reason the Kings couldn’t even secure one postseason victory in the 2025–26 NHL season. For the fifth straight year, Los Angeles suffered a first-round exit. The last time it won a playoff series? Back in 2014, when the Kings went all the way to hoist Lord Stanley. Perhaps the Rangers should have known better than to leave trade details up to chance and in the hands of a franchise that can’t shake its postseason woes.

It may get lost behind the fact that they won the Presidents’ Trophy and scored the most goals in the regular season, but the Avalanche also gave up the least goals in the 2025-26 NHL season. Thus, fans can rest assured that when the action gets tighter, the ice seemingly shrinks, and every puck battle can prove decisive, the Avs will be up for the challenge. In case anybody on the Kings overlooked that, MacKinnon delivered a reminder after Game 1 of the first-round series.

“We are comfortable in those low-scoring games,” MacKinnon admitted after the game, via DNVR. “We gave up the least goals in the league this year, we pride ourselves off our defensive hockey. It may be harder for [other] people, but that’s what we want to be.“

Wedgewood stood tall once again

Scott Wedgewood’s incredible performance in the 2025–26 NHL regular season transitioned smoothly into his first career start in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche’s goalie stopped 24 shots to help his team come away with a crucial Game 1 victory on home ice.

In Game 1 against the Kings, Wedgewood recorded a .960 save percentage (SV%) after finishing the campaign with the league’s best .921 SV% and a 2.02 GAA. If he can keep his red-hot form, MacKinnon and the Avs will remain confident they can walk away with low-scoring wins.

Colorado’s push for its fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history is largely hanging on the glove and trapper of a 33-year-old revitalized veteran netminder. So far, so good. If Game 1 of the first round is any indicator, the Avalanche are in safe hands.

Series schedule

• Game 2: Kings at Avalanche (April 21)
• Game 3: Avalanche at Kings (April 23)
• Game 4: Avalanche at Kings (April 26)
• Game 5 IF NECCESARY: Kings at Avalanche (April 29)
• Game 6 IF NECCESARY: Avalanche at Kings (May 1)
• Game 7 IF NECCESARY: Kings at Avalanche (May 3)

The franchise has been cautious with his recovery after he suffered the injury against the Calgary Flames, and recent reports indicate he has already missed multiple games and was ruled out for at least a short stretch.

Despite the absence not being viewed as serious, the team is prioritizing long-term health over short-term urgency. Head coach Jared Bednar has made it clear the focus is on ensuring he is fully fit for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

How and when did Cale Makar get injured?

Cale Makar suffered his injury on March 30, during a game against the Flames after taking a hard hit, resulting in an upper-body issue. The incident occurred in the second period when he absorbed contact from forward Adam Klapka.

Despite finishing the shift and briefly returning to the ice, he was ultimately ruled out before the third period and underwent further evaluation. Initial concern surrounded the severity of the injury, especially given his importance to the blue line.

However, early reports from head coach Jared Bednar indicated the team avoided a worst-case scenario, classifying the issue as an upper-body injury that would sideline him short term rather than long term.

How long is Cale Makar’s recovery timeline?

Cale Makar is expected to miss only a few games. Following the injury, the Avalanche quickly ruled him out for multiple games, confirming he would “miss some time”, but stopping short of placing him on long-term injured reserve.

As of April 7, he is officially listed as day-to-day on injury reports, which suggests the team is managing his recovery carefully rather than rushing him back into action.

This cautious approach is typical late in the season, especially for a franchise cornerstone. With the playoffs approaching, Colorado is prioritizing full recovery over immediate availability.

When will Cale Makar return to play?

There is no exact return date for Cale Makar, but he is expected back in the short term, likely before or right at the start of the playoffs. While the Avalanche have not provided a timeline, all indications point toward a near-term return.

Reports suggest he has already been ruled out for a handful of games, reinforcing that the absence is precautionary rather than prolonged. Given the team’s positioning, he could return at any moment once medical staff clears him.

How has Cale Makar performed this season?

Cale Makar has been one of the NHL’s top defensemen in 2025–26, recording 75 points (20 goals, 55 assists) and ranking among team leaders. He was once again playing at an elite level.

His 75 points place him among the most productive defensemen in the league and highlight his impact in both scoring and playmaking. His influence extends to special teams and overall puck movement, making him a central piece.

His +29 rating further underscores his two-way effectiveness, contributing on both ends of the ice. As the Avalanche push toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs, his form and health remain critical. If he returns at full strength, Colorado regains one of the most dynamic defensemen in the NHL at exactly the right time.

“There’s no excuse. I think if we’re making excuses for that performance, it’s going to be a short [playoff] run,” Bednar said after the 8-6 loss at home to the Canucks, via NHL.com. “We have to play [with effort] for 60 minutes. But we weren’t even close.”

Bednar’s comments aren’t by chance. After a dominant first half of the 2025–26 NHL season, the Avs are now showing cracks in their foundation. MacKinnon remains red-hot—he scored his 50th goal of the season (121 points) against Vancouver—but the team is struggling in other areas.

Avalanche’s concerning form

Indeed, the Avs have won five of their last seven games, but they are just 5-4-1 over their last 10 outings. Moreover, Colorado is looking fragile at home. At Ball Arena in the Mile High City—where the Avs are expected to have a second wind against visiting opponents—the Avalanche have lost five of their last six home games.

As things stand, Colorado is on track to finish the campaign as Presidents’ Trophy champions. That would mean the Stanley Cup Playoffs run through Denver—with MacKinnon’s side enjoying home-ice advantage in every round. Yet if the Avs continue to be a liability on home ice, that advantage could become a burden.

Moreover, the Avalanche have some unfinished business when it comes to the postseason. They’ve had one of the best cores in the league for years, yet aside from their Stanley Cup run in 2022, the Avalanche have never made it past the second round. Colorado could once again run into its kryptonite—the Dallas Stars—in the 2026 playoffs, and there’s no guarantee the Avs would come out of that matchup alive.

Bednar wants Colorado to play with hunger again

Thus, Bednar is wasting no time sending a message to his team. Every dog has its day—that’s a fact. But for a struggling Canucks team to have it against the No. 1 team in the league is something Colorado can’t fathom and won’t let slide.

The Avalanche have eight games left on the schedule. With their playoff spot already secured, these final games will be crucial in helping them find their mojo. If not, as Bednar bluntly warned, the Avs could be headed for another short playoff run.

Colorado should know better—these disappointing endings have a way of snowballing, and sooner or later, the team could find itself buried under an avalanche of heartbreak and self-doubt.