Kraken win, lose McCann after 'late hit' by Makar

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Kraken lost leading scorer Jared McCann to an injury in the first period of Monday's 3-2 overtime victory over the Colorado Avalanche following a hit from defenseman Cale Makar. McCann will miss at least one game.

McCann, a left wing, was down on the ice for several minutes before being helped to the bench and headed straight back to the Seattle locker room. He did not return for the start of the second period.

Two hours later, Jordan Eberle scored on the power play three minutes into overtime, as Seattle evened this Western Conference first-round series at 2-2.

After the win, Seattle coach Dave Hakstol told reporters McCann won't be available for Game 5, and "my assumption is probably longer than that."

McCann was hurt on a short-handed attempt midway through the first period. The shot was saved by Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev and appeared to go into the netting behind the goal. McCann did not seem ready for the hit by Makar.

Makar was originally given a five-minute major penalty, but it was reduced to a two-minute minor. Seattle scored on the ensuing power play to take a 2-0 lead. Hakstol disagreed with the reduction.

"I believe the puck is being caught by a fan as [McCann] is run into the end wall," the coach said. "Late hit. Really late."

Originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2014 first round, McCann led Seattle with a career-high 40 goals and 70 points in the regular season. He had one assist in the first three games of the series.

In March 2022, McCann signed a new deal with Seattle, agreeing to a five-year extension with a $5 million average annual value.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.