Star forward Nathan MacKinnon will play Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT), head coach Jared Bednar told reporters.
However, down 3-0 in the series, the Avalanche will make a change in the crease as Mackenzie Blackwood takes over for Scott Wedgewood. Forward Valeri Nichuskin, who was also injured in Game 3, is a game-time decision, per Bednar.
MacKinnon, the Rocket Richard Trophy winner, was injured in the second period of Game 3 after blocking a shot off his right knee from Golden Knights defenceman Shea Theodore.
He returned during the third period but took just one even-strength shift. He also hopped over the boards for a power play and a 6-on-5 opportunity.
The Cole Harbor, N.S., native finished with 18:02 ice time in the 5-3 defeat. He had 53 goals in 80 games while leading the Avalanche to the Presidents’ Trophy during the regular season and has added seven goals and eight assists in 12 playoff games.
Blackwood, 29, has appeared in three games this post-season with a 3.20 goals-against average and .872 save percentage. He replaces Wedgewood, who has allowed 12 goals during the series.
Nichushkin, 31, has two goals and two assists in these playoffs after tallying 17 goals and 32 assists in the regular season.
On the other bench, the Golden Knights lineup will remain unchanged from Game 3 as Vegas eyes its third trip to the Stanley Cup Final in its ninth season.