Colorado Avalanche head into Game 4 trailing 3-0 after a 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. Hart Trophy finalist Nathan MacKinnon took a puck to his right knee late in the second period, and coach Jared Bednar said he will take MacKinnon in any form available. MacKinnon returned briefly between the second and third periods but was highly limited.

Historically, the odds look brutal. Only four teams in NHL history have erased a 3-0 deficit in any round, and 49 of 50 previous teams holding a 3-0 lead in the conference finals or semifinals reached the Stanley Cup Final. Colorado won the Presidents' Trophy this season but already faced this curse in 2021, losing in the second round to Vegas.

Bednar acknowledged the margin for error is razor-thin. Josh Manson stressed Colorado must play with desperation while staying composed. Getting the series back to Denver for Game 5 would at least buy time, but no team has come back from 3-0 at this stage. MacKinnon's availability is the defining variable for Tuesday night.