The Colorado Avalanche were without a key player as the top team in the NHL returned from the Olympic break.
Top centreman Nathan MacKinnon did not play Wednesday night against the Utah Mammoth for maintenance purposes, a team spokesperson told reporters ahead of puck drop.
Following Avalanche's 4-2 win over the Mammoth, head coach Jared Bednar confirmed MacKinnon is expected to play Thursday against the Minnesota Wild.
MacKinnon, who played for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, appeared banged up after a heavy collision with France's Pierre Crinon during the preliminary round. He did not miss any games throughout the tournament.
The 30-year-old has played a key role in Colorado's success this season, racking up 40 goals and 93 points in 55 games this season.
Fellow Olympians Cale Makar, Devon Toews and Brock Nelson all played in Wednesday's game, as did Clayton Keller for the Mammoth.
Also returning for the Mammoth was third-year Logan Cooley, who was playing for the first time since Dec. 5. Entering Wednesday's matchup, the 21-year-old had posted 14 goals and 23 points in 29 games this season.
