NHL: Avs' Nathan MacKinnon, bloodied by puck to face, returns to game

Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon briefly left Monday’s game against the Minnesota Wild after being struck in the face by a puck, but returned to help his team secure a 5-2 victory at Xcel Energy Center.

MacKinnon, who was visibly bloodied on the play, later capped the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute. The score extended his goal streak to five consecutive games.

The incident occurred with 1:07 remaining in the second period when Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews attempted to clear the puck from the defensive zone but accidentally sent it directly into MacKinnon’s face. The star forward immediately fell to the ice and was attended to by team trainers, who helped him off the ice while he covered his bleeding face with a towel. Blood was also visible inside his visor as he skated toward the locker room under his own power.

At the start of the third period, MacKinnon returned to the ice and continued playing.

The 30-year-old forward finished the regular season with 127 points, leading the NHL with 53 goals. He entered Monday’s game with six goals and six assists through Colorado’s first eight playoff contests this spring.

Despite the scare, MacKinnon’s return proved crucial as Colorado closed out the win and continued its strong postseason form.

— Field Level Media / Reuters