After helping Canada to 4 Nations title, Avs trio will meet team in Nashville to resume playoff push [Video]

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The Colorado Avalanche trio of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Devon Toews had an easy excuse for missing Friday’s practice.

They needed a break after hoisting hockey’s new trophy.

MacKinnon, Makar and Toews helped Canada to a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Thursday. But there’s not much time for rest as they quickly join the Avalanche in Nashville for a game Saturday.

After all, they have another trophy to pursue.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar knows his talented trio will be fighting fatigue this weekend in a back-to-back situation (Nashville on Saturday, St. Louis on Sunday).

“They’re playing for sure. No choice,” explained Bednar, whose team won the Stanley Cup trophy in 2022. “I don’t love the setup of Thursday (tournament final), Saturday, Sunday afternoon, but I guess that’s the price you pay.

“I have a little bit of concern for those guys and their energy. But they’re elite. They’re the best of …