Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon suffered a facial fracture and a concussion after an open-ice collision with Boston Bruins forward Taylor Hall, coach Jared Bednar said Friday.
Bednar added that the injury is expected to sideline MacKinnon for the next three games.
The 26-year-old was injured in the first period of a game between the Avs and Bruins on Wednesday. While skating near the Avalanche blue line in open ice, MacKinnon advanced the puck. Shortly after he did, Hall connected with a hit and, as he made contact, MacKinnon raised his own stick, the shaft of which hit him in the face.
MacKinnon fell to the ice in visible distress and was seen bleeding after the collision. He left the game and, shortly after the start of the second period, the Avalanche said he would not return.
Referees on the ice initially assessed Hall a five-minute major for the incident. After reviewing what took place, the penalty was reduced to a minor for interference.
In 30 games this season, MacKinnon has nine goals and 34 assists for 43 points for the Avalanche.
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