Avalanche face a defining test as a physical defenseman's health hangs over their Stanley Cup chase originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Josh Manson is clearly battling through something at one of the toughest points of the season.
The 34-year-old defenseman is coming off one of the best regular seasons of his career. Manson, a Hinsdale, Illinois native who was raised in Canada, posted five goals and 26 assists for 31 points across 79 games, while his plus-42 rating marked a new career high.
Manson left Thursday’s game after a violent collision near the Kings’ bench involving Joel Edmundson. The hit sent him crashing awkwardly into the top of the boards, where the padding is thinner and less forgiving. His torso appeared to absorb most of the blow, particularly around the ribs and midsection, and he stayed down briefly before making his way off.
He exited late in the first period, then attempted to return in the second after missing several shifts. The comeback was short-lived. Manson logged only 36 seconds before another difficult sequence ended with Los Angeles scoring and Manson taking a high-sticking minor as the play concluded.
After serving the penalty, he did not return. Manson skated straight to the Avalanche bench, stepped off the ice, and headed down the tunnel to the dressing room, where his night ended early.
That is what makes the larger picture troubling for Colorado. This was the second time in roughly a week and a half that Manson had left a game with an upper-body issue. He also exited the Avalanche’s April 11 matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights after just 11:46 of ice time.
He then missed the final three regular-season games before returning for the opening game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Because NHL injury reporting remains intentionally vague, there is no public way to know whether Thursday’s setback was a new injury or an aggravation of the previous one. If it is related, Colorado has every reason to be concerned.
This is only Round 1. The games get heavier, the space disappears, and the punishment accumulates with every shift.
MORE: Josh Manson Injury Raises Serious Questions
Manson is not the only Avalanche player trying to push through pain. Nazem Kadri has not looked fully like himself through the first three games of the series after breaking a finger late in the regular season.
The one positive for Colorado is that the calendar finally offered some relief after Game 3. At this stage of the year, an extra recovery day can matter as much as any tactical adjustment.
If the Avalanche eliminate the Kings in Game 4 on Sunday, the reward could extend far beyond advancing. With several first-round series likely to continue, Colorado would gain valuable time to heal, regroup, and prepare for what comes next.
For a team chasing the Stanley Cup, those days can be priceless.
If the last two games against Los Angeles proved anything, it is that desperate teams will do whatever they can to stay alive. That includes pushing the line physically and emotionally.
Heavy hits have always been part of playoff hockey, and Manson is one of the few Avalanche players who consistently brings that edge. He can separate a man from the puck, answer after the whistle, and make opponents think twice about taking liberties.
Colorado has quality defensemen, but each brings something different.
Brent Burns can still handle the rugged side of the game when needed, but he is 41. Cale Makar is a generational talent whose value lies in his skating, puck movement, and ability to create offense from impossible angles. Sam Malinski continues to grow into a well-rounded player, but he is not built to play sheriff. Devon Toews remains one of the league’s steadiest defenders with his positioning, stick work, and transition play, yet intimidation has never been the core of his game.
MORE: Colorado Surges, Kings On The Brink Of Elimination After Game 3 Loss