With Game 4 of the Western Conference Final between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights about to get underway, the Avalanche will have both Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in the lineup as they look to stave off elimination in Vegas, per Danny Webster with the Review-Journal.
The status of Colorado’s two superstars was a major storyline heading into tonight, and the fact that both Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are willing to push through and play in this one speaks volumes about what’s on the line. Down 3-0 in the series and facing elimination, the Avalanche simply could not afford to be without either of their franchise cornerstones, and both are clearly playing through something to be in the lineup tonight. That kind of commitment in a must-win game is the sort of thing that can galvanize a locker room, and Colorado will need every ounce of it if they hope to extend the series and send things back to Colorado for Game 5.
One notable change up front: Joel Kiviranta will draw into the lineup in place of Valeri Nichushkin, per Jesse Granger with The Athletic. Kiviranta is no stranger to high-leverage playoff moments, and the Avalanche will be hoping he can provide a spark in a must-win spot. Nichushkin’s absence is a significant one for Colorado’s forward group, but the Avalanche have little choice but to turn the page and focus on the task in front of them.
Puck drop is set for 8 PM CST.
Put a fork in em, they’re done. Let’s just hope the east can kill VGK off.