MacKinnon leaves game with apparent shoulder injury

Just when things started to round into form for the Colorado Avalanche, their top point-getter and No. 1 forward was injured Tuesday night.

Nathan MacKinnon was hurt with 6:04 remaining in the second period after taking a hit from Canucks defenseman Alex Edler. MacKinnon left the ice holding his shoulder and didn't return.

Through 49 games, he has been an offensive dynamo for the Avs, notching 24 goals and 37 assists.

Losing MacKinnon for any period of time would be a massive blow to Colorado's playoff chances, as the Avalanche entered Tuesday only a few points shy of the final Western Conference wild-card spot.