The Colorado Avalanche are dealing with a nightmare scenario. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are both out with lower-body injuries, a blow that has fans and Colorado sports betting enthusiasts alike paying attention. With two of the NHL’s best players sidelined at the same time, Colorado’s outlook for the next several weeks has changed significantly.
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How the Injuries Happened
The trouble started in the second period of Colorado’s game against the Ottawa Senators, when MacKinnon went down with an injury and left the game. Not long after, Makar suffered a similar injury. It was a rare moment of misfortune for the Avalanche, who lost their two best players in the same game. Colorado fell 4-3 in overtime, adding a tough loss to the injury news.
The timing stings for anyone who remembers last season. Makar's injury hurt the Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, and there are fears of a repeat. This time, though, it’s November, and there is plenty of time to recover. Colorado currently sits third in the Central Division, but the upcoming schedule is daunting.
The Schedule Provides Some Challenges
The Avs showed some resolve by handling the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell without either superstar. The rest of November won’t be easy. Colorado visits division rival Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City, hosts the Anaheim Ducks, faces the Habs again, this time at home, travels to St. Paul to face the Minnesota Wild, and then welcomes the San Jose Sharks. Both stars will miss all of those games.
December brings some relief. Makar will likely return early in the month, but MacKinnon is expected to miss the start of Colorado's road trip against the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and St. Louis Blues. The best-case scenario for MacKinnon’s return would come when the Avs host the Washington Capitals on December 12 or the Mammoth on December 14. Colorado then hosts the Islanders on the 16th and the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes on the 18th.
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What the Avalanche Must Do Now
Until then, the Avalanche will need every bit of their depth. They passed the first test against the Canadiens, but plenty more are coming, and Colorado can’t afford any additional injuries. The Dallas Stars, Mammoth, and Winnipeg Jets are right behind them in the standings, ready to capitalize on any slip.
The market is paying attention, too. Colorado sports betting apps show that the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup title odds have taken a slight hit, but they still carry the second-best odds to win it all. Oddsmakers clearly believe Colorado will be a force once both stars are back. For now, the Avs have to survive without them.
