Nathan MacKinnon bloodied by puck, returns and scores to lift Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon had to leave Monday's game against the Minnesota Wild when he was hit in the face by a puck.

But he was able to return to the game and score a goal as the Avalanche defeated the Wild 5-2 for a 3-1 lead in their second-round series.

The damage was done by a teammate as Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews was trying to clear the puck out of harm's way after a Mackenzie Blackwood save.

MacKinnon dropped to the ice and was bleeding heavily as he skated to the dressing room for repairs with 67 seconds left in the second period.

Warning: Graphic video

He was patched up during the second intermission and was back on the ice for the start of the third period of Game 4 in Minnesota.

Colorado's Parker Kelly broke a 2-2 tie during the third period, then MacKinnon scored the first of two Avalanche empty net goals to put the game away.

Blackwood, making his first start of the playoffs, for Colorado made 19 saves for the win.

The Avalanche can clinch a berth in the conference finals if they beat the Wild at home on Wednesday, May 13.