Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon has been sidelined with a facial fracture and concussion since Boston Bruins goon Taylor Hall left him bloodied and on the ice with an ill-advised hit to the head.

Since then the 'Avs have strugg..... errrr..... JK. Colorado hasn't really missed a beat, but anytime you can get a MacKinnon back in the lineup you love to see it. Especially since Big Nate was really finding his stride with 20 points in the 15 games prior to his injury.

According to multiple reports Mac is expected to return for Sunday's game in Dallas. This bodes well for the stretch run and increases the 'Avs chances of heading into the playoffs we a full head of steam.

...

Colorado (32-8-4) is back in action tonight versus the two-time defending Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning (30-10-6).

- Tampa is 7-2-1 in its last 10 and have their eyes set on catching the first-place Panthers.

- They are led in scoring by captain Steven Stamkos with 52 points (20g 32a).

- Golaie Andrei Vasilevsky is still great. The real test for the 'Avs is beating Tampa's last line of defense. Vasi is 25-7-4 with a .922 save percentage, 2.23 GAA, and two shutouts.

This should be a good one.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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