Cale Makar Won't Take the Ice for Colorado Avalanche to Start Western Conference Final
Makar’s absence would force Colorado’s defense to absorb more minutes and special-teams duty if he cannot play in Game 1, teammates said.
- Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar sat out practice yesterday on the eve of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, leaving his status uncertain for Game 1 today.
- The Norris Trophy finalist left the ice following a collision late in Game 5 against Minnesota and previously took a hit in Game 1 while managing an upper-body injury.
- Makar has missed recent practices but no games as the Avalanche have gone 8-1 in the playoffs, averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time per game through two rounds.
- Defenseman Sam Malinski explained, "We're all going to have to play a little bit more and we'll be challenged with different situations," as teammates prepare contingency roles.
- Should Makar miss the opener, defensive responsibilities shift to Devon Toews, Josh Manson, and 41-year-old Brent Burns; Manson said, "If he can't go, it is what it is.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Why Cale Makar isn't playing tonight for Avalanche with injury news
Colorado gets a big disadvantage from this.
Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar misses loss to Vegas in opener of Western Conference final
At times, especially early, the Colorado Avalanche looked disjointed on defence. One player's absence made that big of difference. With star defenceman Cale Makar sidelined by an upper-body injury, the Avalanche hardly resembled the top-seeded team that rolled through the first two rounds.
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