Weekly Cupcakes: Avalanche on the downturn

Colorado Avalanche

MacKinnon’s streak ends, Avalanche shut out by Coyotes. Forward had point in 13 straight games; Kuemper makes 33 saves for Arizona. [NHL]

UMass’ Cale Makar makes NHL history with playoff goal in Avalanche debut. [NBC Sports]

Colorado Avalanche’s Gabriel Landeskog’s long-term injury could shake up Central Division picture. [Sporting News]

Colorado Avalanche Nikita Zadorov needs to start producing. [Last Word on Hockey]

Other Hockey News

Senators’ Scott Sabourin expected to leave hospital Sunday after scary hit. The rookie forward eyes return after breaking nose Saturday, leaving ice on stretcher. [CBC]

Sabres are ‘proud ambassadors’ at NHL Global Series in Sweden. [NHL]

Offering term and big money to an unproven player is a gamble. But increasingly for NHL execs, a Hail Mary on elite talent is not only worth the risk, it’s the smart play. [Sportsnet]

Flames’ Milan Lucic suspended two games for roughing Kole Sherwood. [Sports Illustrated]

NHL roundup: Isles win 9th straight on Varlamov’s shutout. [National Post]