“You’ll see when we get out there,” Brind’Amour answered, as reported by Pat Welter on X, on who will be the starting goaltender for the Canes in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. As reported by Elliotte Friedman, Bussi will be in net whereas Andersen won’t even be serving as backup. Instead, Pyotr Kochetkov will be the second-string netminder in Game 4.

After posting the best numbers of any NHL goaltender throughout the 2026 postseason, Andersen has been exposed on several occasions by the Golden Knights. Game 3 was no different, and with rookie Bussi playing lights out, the decision has been made—one that could determine the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup hopes. Falling behind 3-1 in the series could very well be all she wrote for Carolina.

Is Andersen injured?

Although Brind’Amour and the Hurricanes have not reported anything of the sort, there might be reason for concern regarding Andersen’s health. During Game 3, Andersen was hit in the head by Vegas forward Ivan Barbashev on a goal that was taken off the board after Carolina challenged.

The concussion spotter didn’t intervene, but Andersen went on to allow four goals before being pulled from the game. Perhaps it was a combination of health and performance concerns.

The fact Andersen won’t dress for Game 4 brings everyone’s attention back to that crease-crashing play on Saturday. Perhaps a head injury slipped under the league’s radar, and the Hurricanes are now dealing with the aftermath. However, Friedman reports that Andersen is listed as a scratch rather than on the injured report. And it’s been a common sight for Andersen to be out of the lineup entirely in games he doesn’t start.

Andersen’s numbers

Through 16 games in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Andersen has been sensational, posting a 1.89 goals-against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage (SV%). However, those marvelous numbers hide an ugly truth.

Andersen’s stats are being carried by his superb form in the first three rounds. Since the Stanley Cup Final began, Vegas has had his number. Through the first three games of the championship series, Andersen posted an .806 SV% while allowing an average of four goals per game.

Bussi was the X-Factor in Game 3

In Game 3, Andersen was pulled after conceding four goals, and had it not been for an offside call and a goaltender-interference ruling, he could have allowed six. When Bussi entered the game, the story was much different for the Hurricanes. He stopped 18 shots, including a penalty shot from Mitch Marner, and was only beaten by a fluky own goal.

In his first career playoff appearance, Bussi proved the bright lights didn’t faze him, and his teammates fed off his confidence to mount a four-goal comeback. Although it ultimately wasn’t enough for Carolina, something clicked, and the Hurricanes went from looking hopeless to electric with Bussi between the pipes.

Bussi’s stats

The undrafted 27-year-old rookie was one of the biggest storylines of the 2025-26 NHL campaign. He was Carolina’s leading goaltender throughout the regular season, posting a 31-6-2 record in 39 appearances while recording an .895 save percentage and a 2.47 GAA.

However, Bussi was benched in the postseason in favor of the playoff-experienced Andersen, which initially proved to be the right call. Andersen’s form, though, is clearly waning, and Carolina believes it’s time to roll the dice with a bold call.

That’s the situation Brind’Amour faced, who was torn between riding the hot hand in Game 4—even if it means throwing the veteran netminder under the bus—or sticking with the 36-year-old, who still has something to prove in his pursuit of a first Stanley Cup. Now, there is no turning back. Carolina’s season is on the line, and it’s all in Bussi’s right glove and left blocker.

According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, Larkin would be willing to waive his no-movement clause (NMC) for a trade to the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, or Vegas Golden Knights. Although the Red Wings will stand firm on their asking price for Larkin, the captain ultimately holds all the leverage. If Detroit won’t deal him to one of those three destinations, it can only sit him. Doing so causes more harm than good, though.

As for the Rangers, the reported trade list completely rains down on their parade. New York could have been a dark horse to trade for Larkin—they still can, but it seems highly unlikely. Larkin is asking out of Motor City because he wants to win and a move to Broadway would put those aspirations on hold for a while.

New York general manager Chris Drury and head coach Mike Sullivan, who were around Larkin on Team USA, would’ve hoped their national team connections could come in handy. Unfortunately, if they want to acquire Larkin, they won’t be able to cut any corners. And even that may not be enough.

Larkin favors Team USA connections

The fact that Larkin’s trade list features three organizations filled with Team USA teammates and executives only makes it a tougher pill to swallow for the Rangers. After all, those connections do play a role, just not to New York’s advantage. The overall struggles and concerns in Manhattan are too significant for Larkin to dismiss.

Moreover, leaving the Red Wings, who missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs by fewer than 10 points, for the Rangers, who finished last in the East, wouldn’t exactly be considered an upgrade for the Winged Wheel’s hometown captain. If Larkin is to leave the Wolverine State for the first time in his hockey career and life, he would surely want to go somewhere he won’t regret.

Team USA connections in Minnesota

As soon as Larkin’s trade request went public, the Wild emerged as the obvious frontrunners. Bill Guerin (Team USA’s GM during the 2026 Olympics) was expected to be all over it, and it’s clear he’s done just that.

Plus, Minnesota’s lineup features Larkin’s fellow American teammates Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Matt Boldy. Combine that with the fact that the Wild are the most top-six center-needy organization in the NHL and that it’s the main obstacle preventing them from becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, and the puzzle is complete.

Why Florida makes sense for Larkin

As for the Panthers, the fact they’ve been to three of the last four Stanley Cup Finals and have won back-to-back Stanley Cups should be enough to explain why any player would want to join the powerhouse in the beautiful, income tax-free Sunshine State.

From Larkin’s perspective, joining Bill Zito (Team USA assistant GM), Matthew Tkachuk, and a state-of-the-art roster built to win is just the cherry on top. Florida doesn’t really need another top center, but it seldom helps itself from going after NHL stars.

When in doubt, there’s always Vegas

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights continue to be the go-to franchise for players in search of fresh starts and immediate playoff success. The organization’s way of doing business leaves room for criticism, but the results speak for themselves.

Watching Mitch Marner become a Conn Smythe Trophy favorite less than a year after leaving another Original Six market might be enough to convince Larkin that Sin City is perfect for him. Plus, he’d get the chance to join Team USA friends Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin.

Eichel is another example of how leaving the team that drafted you and heading to the Entertainment Capital of the World can do wonders for a player’s career. They say the house always wins in Las Vegas, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for those that get to call T-Mobile Arena home.

Larkin is sending Detroit a message

Larkin’s trade list is very narrow. He sends a clear message to the Red Wings that way. Detroit may ask him to expand his list a bit to gain more room to maneuver and negotiate.

Larkin may indeed add a few more options, but the odds of the Rangers even making that director’s cut remain low. Still, if there’s one thing the Big Apple teaches its residents, it’s to shoot for the stars, and one has just become available in the 313.

When it comes to Canadian representation, Canada claims the majority of players in this final series. The Vegas Golden Knights feature the most Canadian-born talent, with 18 players on their roster. Captain Mark Stone serves as a prime example of that elite Canadian quality, having put up 28 regular-season goals this year.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are fighting for the Cup with just 9 Canadian players on their roster. Among them, Logan Stankoven has been a key driver for the team during this postseason run, lighting the lamp 9 times in the playoffs.

List of Canadians in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final

Simply looking at roster counts doesn’t mean every player logs ice time during the finals. So far, only 10 Canadians have actually suited up for the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals, while the Hurricanes have utilized 8 of their 9 Canadian options.

The remaining Canadian players waiting in the wings will remain available if needed as the series progresses. This is standard NHL practice during the postseason; once the strict active roster limit lifts, teams can easily call up younger players or depth options to replace injured skaters.

Most of the Canadian talent in this final series brings heavy experience to the table, which explains why Vegas relies so heavily on them to get top-tier results. Winning the Cup with a heavy contingent of Canadians over any other nation will certainly draw plenty of attention in the post-series breakdowns.

The Grammy Award-winning duo will perform on Thursday, June 4, ahead of the matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. The concert is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM ET and will be held outdoors at the South Plaza.

The event is open to the public and does not require a game ticket for admission. With the Stanley Cup Final drawing national attention, the NHL has continued its tradition of pairing championship hockey with live entertainment.

How to watch Stanley Cup Final Game 2 pregame concert live

Fans can watch portions of Dan + Shay’s performance through the official Stanley Cup Final Game 2 broadcast on ABC in the United States.

The NHL announced that the Grammy Award-winning duo will headline a free pregame concert outside Lenovo Center in Raleigh before the Carolina Hurricanes face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The concert will take place on the South Plaza outside the arena and is open to the public at no cost. Unlike many championship-week events, fans do not need a game ticket to attend the performance.

The NHL and the Hurricanes have also confirmed that a watch party will follow the concert for those who remain outside the venue. For viewers at home in Canada, it will be available on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.

While the league has not announced a standalone stream dedicated exclusively to the concert, segments of the performance are expected to be included as part of the pregame coverage surrounding the Stanley Cup Final.

What time does Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final start?

Game 2 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final starts at 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, June 4. The matchup features the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Vegas Golden Knights at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

The game carries significant weight after Vegas secured a 5-4 victory in the series opener, stealing home-ice advantage and taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Carolina now faces the challenge of avoiding a two-game deficit.

Although fans were still settling into their seats at Lenovo Center when Ehlers beat Carter Hart on a low shot, the first goal of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final wasn’t the fastest in NHL history in a championship series. However, it’s among the fastest.

Boston Bruins’ John Byce still holds the record thanks to his goal in Game 3 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Byce scored just 10 seconds into the game. As impressive as Ehlers’ tally against Hart and the Golden Knights was, it still took more than twice as long as Byce’s goal in 1990, which established a record that remains intact 36 years later.

Previous record

Byce dethroned NHL legend Jean Beliveau, who scored 14 seconds into Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in 1965. Beliveau’s record had stood for 25 years. Beliveau still holds the benchmark for the quickest goal in a true championship-clinching game.

Moreover, Beliveau and the Montreal Canadiens went on to win the Stanley Cup that year, whereas Byce and the Bruins fell to the Oilers in 1990. In more ways than one, Beliveau had the last laugh.

Where does Ehlers’ goal rank?

Following his goal in Game 1 against the Golden Knights, Ehlers is tied at 8th for the fastest goal in a Stanley Cup Final game. He joins Buddy O’Connor (Canadiens) and Gregg Sheppard (Bruins), who also scored 25 seconds into a title game in 1947 and 1978, respectively.

Ehlers’ goal was the fastest in a Stanley Cup Final game since 2006. That year, the Hurricanes were actually on the receiving end of an early tiebreaking goal, as Fernando Pisani scored at the same arena (then RBC Center, now Lenovo Center) just 16 seconds into Game 5.

Fastest goal in Game 1 of SCF

Though noteworthy, Ehlers couldn’t break the record for the fastest goal in a Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. That milestone still belongs to Sid Smith, who opened the scoring for the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 1951 just 15 seconds into the action.

Still, Ehlers’ goal is the third-fastest in Stanley Cup Final Game 1 history, trailing only Smith and Reggie Leach, who scored 21 seconds into Game 1 of the 1976 Stanley Cup Final for the Philadelphia Flyers.

As sweet as setting a record would’ve been, all the Hurricanes care about is hoisting Lord Stanley. Needless to say, early tone-setting goals could go a long way toward making sure that happens—regardless of whether they establish a benchmark or not.

Ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes, Bettman held a press conference in which he addressed several of the league’s biggest storylines. It didn’t take long before he was asked about Vegas’ decision to deny interview requests with former head coach Bruce Cassidy. Bettman’s response brought grins across Nevada while wiping them away entirely in Alberta.

“Bettman says Vegas denying Bruce Cassidy permission to interview for another job is ‘completely reasonable’ based on the contract terms reviewed by the league,” as stated by Frank Seravalli on X.

Oilers get no help from NHL

As a result, there is reason to believe there will be no intervention from the NHL. Despite being fired, Cassidy remains under contract in Sin City for one more year, with the former Golden Knights head coach set to make $4.5 million next season.

As Cassidy recently admitted, he can’t cut ties with the organization in Las Vegas unless he’s willing to walk away from his guaranteed money for the 2026-27 season. Meanwhile, the Oilers are virtually out of options.

If they want to pair McDavid and the rest of the team with Cassidy, the only way to do so may be to wait until the summer of 2027, when Cassidy will be free to sign with a new team without the Golden Knights having any say in the matter. However, there are plenty of reasons why waiting is far from an ideal choice for Edmonton.

Why it makes no sense for Oilers

Entering the first season of McDavid’s two-year contract extension with the organization, the clock is ticking for the Oilers. Although McDavid will technically be in a contract year during the 2027-28 campaign, the 2026-27 season could effectively be one as well.

McDavid is giving the team a brief championship window to prove itself. If Edmonton decides to enter a transition year while it waits for Cassidy to become available, it could very well drive its captain out of town.

In that scenario, McDavid could make it clear ahead of the 2027-28 season that he has no intention of re-signing with the Oilers. At that point, Edmonton would likely have no choice but to trade him, with reports suggesting the New York Rangers are among McDavid’s top destinations.

Oilers would never be able to live down McDavid trade

If the rumors are already loud today, the Oilers can only imagine how intense the speculation would become if they chose to waste one year of their two-year window. Time is of the essence. As much as Cassidy could be the missing piece for Edmonton, McDavid should come first in the hierarchy for the organization. If the Oilers play their cards with Cassidy in mind, they risk losing sight of their captain and the best player in the NHL.

Trading Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings remains a decision many in Edmonton still disapprove of. Even then, however, “The Great One” had already hoisted four Stanley Cups in the Gateway to the North.

If Stan Bowman loses McDavid to free agency—or is forced to trade him before bringing even a single Stanley Cup back to Alberta—he would achieve the impossible. Bowman would make Glen Sather’s controversial decision on Aug. 9, 1988, look like child’s play.

For Hurricanes supporters, the voice leading that moment will be a familiar one. Adam Lee Decker, the longtime national anthem singer for home games, is expected to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of the opening faceoff.

As the Hurricanes look to capture their first championship since 2006 and the Golden Knights chase another title, the evening’s opening moments promise to be every bit as memorable as the action that follows.

Who is Adam Lee Decker?

Adam Lee Decker, expected to perform the United States national anthem, has become a familiar voice for Hurricanes fans over the years, regularly delivering “The Star-Spangled Banner” before home games at Lenovo Center.

Beyond his role with the NHL franchise, the North Carolina native is a professional singer and performer who has built a strong connection with the Raleigh sports community.

His energetic renditions have made him a recognizable figure during some of the most important moments in Hurricanes history, including multiple playoff appearances and the team’s return to the Stanley Cup Final in 2026.

How long has Adam Lee Decker been the Hurricanes’ national anthem singer?

Adam Lee Decker has been associated with the Hurricanes’ game-day experience for more than a decade. Throughout numerous regular-season games and playoff contests, he has been the primary voice for “The Star-Spangled Banner”.

His long-standing presence has helped establish a sense of continuity for Hurricanes fans, particularly during postseason runs. While the organization occasionally features guest performers for special events, he has remained the singer most commonly associated with Carolina home games.

When was the last time the Hurricanes hosted a Stanley Cup Final game?

The last time the Hurricanes hosted a Stanley Cup Final game was in June 2006, when Carolina faced the Edmonton Oilers in a memorable seven-game championship series. They reached several postseasons and conference finals since then.

The Hurricanes hosted Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 of that Final at what was then known as RBC Center. They ultimately defeated Edmonton 3-1 in Game 7 to capture the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

Their victory over the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Final secured a long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup Final and brought the NHL’s biggest stage back to Raleigh for the first time in 20 years.

What time will the national anthem be performed before the Hurricanes vs Golden Knights?

The national anthem is expected to be performed shortly before the scheduled 8:00 PM ET start time for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The game is set for Tuesday, June 2, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

As is customary for NHL games, the anthem ceremony will take place moments before the opening faceoff. Fans arriving early will also be able to enjoy the Stanley Cup Final festivities surrounding the arena.

The National Hockey League announced that country music duo Brothers Osborne will headline a free outdoor concert beginning at 5:30 PM ET before fans head inside for the championship opener.

Who sang the national anthem in the Hurricanes’ previous playoff games?

As the Carolina Hurricanes advanced through the postseason and eventually secured its place in the Stanley Cup Final, Adam Lee Decker remained a familiar part of the pregame presentation at Lenovo Center.

His performances have accompanied the Hurricanes through one of the most successful playoff runs in franchise history. The singer’s continued presence reflects the organization’s preference for maintaining traditions.

The Golden Knights are off to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. While Mitch Marner is cherishing every bit of his success in Vegas, there is someone who is not enjoying the postseason journey, and it is Cassidy, who is being prevented from joining other NHL teams by his former club. Cassidy remained patient, but his tolerance is wearing thin.

“It’s upsetting, to be honest,” Cassidy said about Vegas not giving teams permission to interview him, via Spittin’ Chiclets. “Once you’re fired, your contract is basically terminated. There was two teams that asked it’s public knowledge now, and I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work. I’m a hockey coach.”

Cassidy can’t resign

With one year left in his contract with the Golden Knights, Cassidy is set to earn $4.5 million during the 2026-27 NHL season. Much is being speculated about his deal and whether signing with a different team would still leave Vegas footing the bill. Others argue why Cassidy simply doesn’t resign to his contract. The answer is simple: he’d be waving almost $5 million goodbye in doing so.

“You have non-compete clauses. So, I can’t resign today and go work for someone tomorrow. I can’t work until Vegas gives me permission and this contract is up, which is at the end of next season. If I resign all I do is not get paid. I’ve got kids to take care of,” Cassidy added.

Vegas goes after Edmonton

Amid the loud buzz around the NHL, Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon has instead shifted the spotlight onto the Oilers. As reported by TSN’s OverDrive, McCrimmon had this to say about the denied interview request: “It’s only news because Edmonton leaked it.”

It is hard to see why the Oilers would leak such a report considering they had not formally fired Kris Knoblauch when the news broke, and the drama played a decisive role in parting ways with him. If it is true and Edmonton indeed leaked the denied interview request, it may have been a means to force Vegas’ hand. Still, it looks unlikely—or it was simply very foolish on the Oilers’ part.

There is also a scenario in which Vegas—or another interested party—was behind it, and perhaps the team in Sin City is now lying—or hiding the truth. After all, the house always wins, and it is clear who runs the table in the Entertainment Capital of the World. The Golden Knights may have stacked the deck, whereas the Oilers and Cassidy might be rolling snake eyes.

Tough pill to swallow for Edmonton

Thus, all the reports and Cassidy’s comments do is paint a tough picture for the Oilers. Entering the last somewhat calm season with McDavid—as he will be a pending UFA throughout the 2027-28 campaign—Edmonton needs certainty.

It is clear Cassidy is the top target in the Gateway to the North, but it simply looks like it will not happen. At least not this offseason, not as long as the Golden Knights have the final say.

Oilers are left with few options

So what choices are the Oilers left with? They could sign a coach for a transition year until Cassidy becomes available next offseason, but that is far from sound business for them. For starters, it sends the wrong message to both the fans and McDavid, who are equally desperate to win a Stanley Cup.

On the other hand, there is no guarantee Cassidy will still be available by the time Edmonton knocks on his door next offseason. And lastly, what kind of NHL head coach would agree to sign a temporary contract just to keep a seat warm for his replacement? Obviously, not the kind of bench boss capable of guiding the Oilers back to Stanley Cup glory.

Vegas has Edmonton virtually dead to rights, Cassidy locked in chains at the top of its castle, and the NHL unwilling to move an inch or even act as if it will intervene. The cherry on top? All this is happening with the organization now favored to win the Stanley Cup. The Golden Knights might be setting a bad precedent, and there may be nothing the league can do to stop them.

Growing up a Maple Leafs fan in Markham, becoming Toronto’s scapegoat for its playoff heartbreaks was something Marner may never be able to live down. However, he is finding closure in Las Vegas.

No one is a messiah in his own land, and it took Marner heading to Sin City to find his best self in the postseason. Just four wins away from his first Stanley Cup, Marner looked back on his career, and it did not take long for him to remember just how much he had been through with the Maple Leafs.

“It was a special moment. There’s been some dark times in hockey for myself,” Marner said, via NHL.com, after the Golden Knights swept the Avalanche in the Western Conference Final. “We want to make each other better, and we just have so much trust in whoever is going over the boards. I’ve always believed in myself. I know the guys in this locker room believed in me as well.”

Special handshake line for Marner

Having been on the losing end of emotional handshake lines several times—nine, to be precise—during his time in Hogtown, Marner finally experienced being on the opposite side of one. After the Golden Knights eliminated the Avalanche in four games, Marner came across familiar faces. However, none as special as Nazem Kadri, and their interaction reflected just how much both had been through, as well as the mutual respect born from living through similar situations in Toronto.

Both Ontario kids when the Maple Leafs drafted them in the top 10 of NHL Drafts, both experienced heartbreaking eliminations, and both were essentially driven out after becoming fall guys for the organization’s systematic shortcomings. Moreover, both Marner and Kadri found success shortly after changing addresses in the NHL. Kadri went on to win the Cup in 2022, and Marner is now four wins away from hoisting Lord Stanley as well.

Kadri and Marner played together for three seasons in The Six. As they met at center ice, emotions came flooding in for both. The two embraced in a long hug, extending the typical duration of this hockey ritual. They exchanged a few words—only they know what was said—and then went their separate ways.

Next up: Stanley Cup Final

For Marner, his next stop is the Stanley Cup Final. For a very long time, he imagined his first shot at hockey’s ultimate prize would come in Toronto. However, life is full of surprises, and it was not until he arrived in Las Vegas that Marner hit the jackpot.

For the Maple Leafs, all they can hope for is for the Carolina Hurricanes to defeat the Montreal Canadiens. Otherwise, cheering for Marner in a different sweater just to avoid watching the Habs conquer Lord Stanley may not sit right with them.

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.