Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon took a hard shot to the face from a puck during Monday night’s playoff game against the Minnesota Wild in Minneapolis, leaving the ice bloodied but returning to action shortly after.
The incident occurred with 1:07 left in the second period when teammate Devon Toews attempted to clear the puck from the defensive zone and accidentally fired it directly into MacKinnon’s face. The 30-year-old center immediately dropped to the ice, where trainers rushed to his side. They helped cover his bloody face with a towel, and blood was also visible on the inside of his visor. Despite the injury, MacKinnon skated off the ice under his own power with the game tied 1-1.
When the third period began, MacKinnon was back on the ice, demonstrating his trademark toughness and determination.
MacKinnon had an outstanding regular season, recording 127 points and leading the NHL with 53 goals. Before Monday’s game, he had already tallied five goals and six assists in the Avalanche’s first seven playoff games this spring. His quick return to the ice was a boost for Colorado as they battle the Wild in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
