Avalanche’s MacKinnon doesn’t return against Bruins after collision with Hall

Nathan MacKinnon was bloodied after Taylor Hall delivered a high hit in the neutral zone and left the game. Hall was initially called for a five-minute major, but it was changed to a two-minute minor penalty.

Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon did not return to Wednesday night’s game due to an upper-body injury, the team said, stemming from an open-ice collision with Boston Bruins forward Taylor Hall.

MacKinnon was injured in the first period. While skating near the Avalanche blue line, MacKinnon advanced the puck. Shortly after he did, Hall connected on 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.

The full extent of MacKinnon’s injuries are not known at this time, though Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said after the game that he did not expect the forward to travel with the team to Chicago.

In 30 games played this season, MacKinnon has nine goals and 34 assists for the Avalanche.

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