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MacKinnon injured as Avs face 'big hill to climb'

ESPN · May 25, 2026, 5:38 AM

Key takeaways

  • The Stanley Cup-favorite Colorado Avalanche are one loss away from being swept out of the Western Conference finals by the Vegas Golden Knights.
  • "It's as low as it can get," coach Jared Bednar said after watching his team fumble a three-goal lead in a 5-3 Game 3 loss.
  • Only four teams in NHL history have rallied after losing the first three games of a best-of-seven series.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

The Stanley Cup-favorite Colorado Avalanche are one loss away from being swept out of the Western Conference finals by the Vegas Golden Knights. Their superstar center Nathan Mac Kinnon was hobbled after blocking a shot in their Game 3 loss, in which they blew a 3-0 lead. On top of all that, history is very much not on their side for a miracle rally.

"It's as low as it can get," coach Jared Bednar said after watching his team fumble a three-goal lead in a 5-3 Game 3 loss.

Only four teams in NHL history have rallied after losing the first three games of a best-of-seven series. Teams that take a 3-0 series lead in a best-of seven series in the round before the Stanley Cup Final are 49-0, including 13-0 when starting on the road with two straight wins.

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