Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Another cloud is hanging over the Canadian locker room following the dramatic overtime victory.
We have reason to believe that Nathan MacKinnon may not have come out of that intense battle unscathed.
It was play-by-play announcer Anthony Marcotte who raised a very relevant point while analyzing the final moments of the game.
In the euphoria of the win, that detail slipped past the majority of viewers. Marcotte strongly suggests taking another look at number 29’s very last shift in overtime.
The sequence shows MacKinnon appearing to hurt himself, likely his right knee, on a simple change of direction.
It wasn’t the result of a body check, but rather an awkward movement, which is often treacherous for joints.
The analyst was categorical in his observation: MacKinnon is clearly not at 100% physically.
“Concerned about Nathan MacKinnon’s health. If you get the chance, go back and watch his last shift in overtime. He likely hurt his right knee while changing direction. He’s clearly not at 100%.l
– Anthony Marcotte
We can all agree this is a major new concern for the coaching staff, who are already dealing with uncertainty surrounding Sidney Crosby.
Will Nathan MacKinnon be able to play at full throttle in the semifinal?
The adrenaline of the moment likely allowed the Colorado Avalanche forward to finish the game.
However, it’s often once the equipment comes off and the body cools down that the real pain sets in.
And indeed it’s worth noting that MacKinnon was absent this morning from his team’s practice.
If the right knee is affected, as Anthony Marcotte fears, MacKinnon’s legendary explosiveness could take a serious hit.
His presence at the next practice will need to be monitored very closely, or whether he’ll be forced into another day of therapy.
Sam Bennett confirms illness kept him out of last game
Also, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett confirmed that illness kept him out of the previous game.
He said he was under the weather but is already feeling better, suggesting the absence should only be short-term.
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