MacKinnon a game-time decision vs. Panthers

Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon is considered a game-time decision for Friday's tilt against the Florida Panthers due to a sore leg, head coach Jared Bednar told assembled media, including Mike Chambers of the Denver Post.

The Avs superstar suffered a deep bruise to his leg/hip on a check from Patric Hornqvist during Wednesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Should a penalty have been called on Patric Hornqvist for this hit on Nathan MacKinnon? " pic.twitter.com/7tEgMUuand

- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 16, 2019

MacKinnon stayed in the contest and scored a third-period marker that forced overtime and helped the Avalanche get a point.

"His leg's pretty sore. He got hit there the other night by Hornqvist," Bednar said. "I give him a lot of credit - I know he was hurting on the bench the whole game and he battled through it and ends up getting us a big goal in the third period and has a really good third period for us. But he's questionable (tonight)."

If MacKinnon can't go, Nazem Kadri will center the club's top line and J.T. Compher will take his spot on the No. 1 power-play unit.

MacKinnon is off to a hot start this season with nine points in his first six games.

Copyright (C) 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.