Nathan MacKinnon averages 22:11 of ice time per game, but now faces a challenging 72-hour turnaround following the Olympic Gold Medal game. Coach Jared Bednar is considering resting his Olympians, including Cale Makar (25:08), for this matchup. With Colorado scheduled to play five games in seven nights, strategic rest becomes critical. There are also reports that MacKinnon played through an injury sustained after a hit in a game against France at the Olympics. The Mammoth ranks sixth in shots allowed per game and boasts a +101 shot differential, along with a +26 edge in high-danger chances. After a lengthy break, they resumed practice on February 17, essentially creating a mini "training camp" to prepare specifically for this matchup.