MacKinnon to Miss Avalanche Game, Art Ross Trophy Hopes in Jeopardy
DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon will sit out Thursday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks due to a minor injury, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the regular season and perhaps impacting his chances of winning the Art Ross Trophy.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed MacKinnon’s absence, stating the star center is “dealing with somthing” without specifying the exact nature of the injury. Bednar alluded to the cumulative toll of a demanding season, especially for players like MacKinnon who didn’t have a break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
MacKinnon’s injury Clouds Art Ross Trophy Pursuit
MacKinnon is currently tied with Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov for the NHL points lead. Missing games could jeopardize his pursuit of his first Art Ross Trophy, potentially handing Kucherov a second consecutive title.
Despite the individual accolade being within reach, Bednar downplayed its importance to MacKinnon. According to bednar, MacKinnon’s priority is winning, especially after the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022.
Playoff Positioning Takes Precedence
MacKinnon, the MVP of the 4 Nations Face-Off, has been remarkably durable, having not missed a game since Dec. 29, 2022.His absence now suggests the Avalanche are prioritizing his health for the playoffs, indicating the team’s playoff seeding is likely secure enough to warrant resting their star player.
How secure is the Avalanche’s playoff positioning, allowing them to rest MacKinnon now?
MacKinnon to Miss avalanche Game, Art Ross Trophy Hopes in Jeopardy: Q&A
Following the news that Nathan MacKinnon will miss Thursday’s game, here’s a breakdown of what it means for the Avalanche and their star player.
Q&A
- What’s wrong with Nathan MacKinnon?
- The exact nature of MacKinnon’s injury is undisclosed. Coach Jared Bednar onyl mentioned he’s “dealing with something”, citing the wear-and-tear of a long season without a break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
- How does this impact the art Ross Trophy race?
- MacKinnon is currently tied with Nikita Kucherov for the NHL points lead. Missing games gives Kucherov an advantage in the race for the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the player with the most points at the end of the regular season.
Trivia: The Art Ross Trophy has been awarded annually as 1948, with Wayne Gretzky holding the record for the most wins (6).
- Is MacKinnon’s individual performance the Avalanche’s priority?
- No. Coach Bednar downplayed the importance of the Art Ross Trophy to MacKinnon. The Avalanche’s priority is winning games and preparing for the playoffs, especially after their Stanley Cup win in 2022.
- Why is MacKinnon missing the game now?
- The team is highly likely prioritizing MacKinnon’s health for the playoffs. His absence suggests the Avalanche’s playoff seeding is secure enough to warrant resting their star player.
- When was the last time MacKinnon missed a game?
- MacKinnon has been remarkably durable, not missing a game since December 29, 2022.
MacKinnon’s absence highlights the balance between individual accolades and team success, a common theme in professional sports. Stay tuned to see how this impacts the Avalanche’s playoff run!
