The Colorado Avalanche lost both Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to injury during a gutting 4-3 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night, leaving the NHL's best team suddenly uncertain about the health of its two biggest stars heading into the weekend.

MacKinnon left the game with just over five minutes remaining in the second period after Senators defenseman Artem Zub's stick caught him in the hip area; he was in obvious pain and did not return for the third period, according to TSN. Makar's exit was less dramatic but no less concerning — he suddenly began favoring his right leg, was worked on in the locker room, attempted a brief 23-second return, and then was held out for good.

No update, and a back-to-back looming

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar had no immediate update on either player's condition after the game, telling reporters he wasn't sure about either MacKinnon or Makar for Saturday night's matchup in Montreal, per Athlon Sports. The team traveled to Montreal regardless, with both stars' availability expected to be a game-time decision at best.

The timing stings. MacKinnon entered the night leading Colorado with 30 points in 20 games, while Makar — fresh off a Sunday practice absence for precautionary reasons — ranked third on the team with 23 points in 19 games, according to CBS News Colorado. Losing both at once, even temporarily, would blunt the engine of a team built to contend deep into the spring.

The Avalanche have not said whether either player will need imaging or a longer absence. For now, Colorado heads into a back-to-back stretch hoping a lower-body injury for each star proves to be nothing more than a scare.