MacKinnon in lineup vs. Panthers

The Colorado Avalanche didn't have to play Friday night's game against the Florida Panthers without their most dynamic player, as Nathan MacKinnon was in the lineup.

MacKinnon had been a game-time decision due to a leg bruise he suffered Wednesday.

The perennial Hart Trophy candidate took part in Friday's pregame warmup in his usual spot between Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen on Colorado's top line, according to The Athletic's Ryan S. Clark.