29 Nathan MacKinnon C

Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon: Provides apple in win

MacKinnon added seven shots on goal in the contest. With the helper, MacKinnon reached 75 points for the year (29 goals, 46 assists) -- his second consecutive season at the mark. If he remains healthy, he's a threat to challenge for the century mark.

Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon: Pots lone goal in loss

MacKinnon is up to 29 goals and 74 points in 55 games this season, but with only two goals and an assist since the All-Star break. The Avalanche have lost five games in a row, scoring only 11 goals in that span, which makes the lack of point production a team issue. MacKinnon will likely return to form soon enough.

Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon: Manages apple in big loss

MacKinnon is minus-4 with six empty shots on goal since the conclusion of the NHL's All-Star Weekend. The elite center was unable to play in the star-studded contest, though it's clear from his heavy ice time since returning (21:48) that he's none the worse for wear.

Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon: Preparing to play Saturday

While MacKinnon -- who attended the 2019 All-Star Game but was kept off the ice -- is projected to retain his top-line assignment against the Canucks, the same cannot be said for captain Gabriel Landeskog or Mikko Rantanen, who has accumulated 74 points in 50 games this season. Landeskog and Rantanen are expected to slide down to the second line with Carl Soderberg, while Alex Kerfoot and Colin Wilson ascend to the top group. It probably won't make a huge difference who MacKinnon plays with since he's such a talented player in his own right and his speed should create opportunities for anyone around him, though any switching off a line that has been one of the NHL's best all season certainly beats watching. He ranks sixth in the league in points with 27 goals and 44 assists through 50 games.

Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon: Won't skate at All-Star Game

The results of an MRI on MacKinnon's foot have not been announced, but clearly he is not up to 100 percent if he won't be taking the ice in San Jose. The world-class center will have some time to get healthy, as the Avs aren't back in action until Feb. 2 versus Vancouver, so he could avoid missing any time depending on the severity of his injury.