- Cale Makar officially out for Game 1 of the WCF vs. the Vegas Golden Knights
- First Stanley Cup Playoff game Makar will miss in his career; Jack Ahcan slots in on D
- Read below for Bednar’s full morning skate video and what it means for the Avs
Cale Makar will not play Game 1.
The Colorado Avalanche officially ruled out their two-time Norris Trophy winner ahead of Wednesday night’s Western Conference Final opener against the Vegas Golden Knights, head coach Jared Bednar said after the morning skate at Ball Arena.
It will be the first Stanley Cup Playoff game Makar misses in his career.
Bednar talked about Makar’s status at the podium:
“I think he’s doing a lot better. He’s on the ice again this morning, feeling pretty good.”
Watch the full Bednar availability from DNVR Sports:
Jack Ahcan slots into the lineup on the back end. He’s still day-to-day, per Bednar, which leaves the door open for Game 2 on Friday.
The Norris winner appeared to tweak something in the second-round clincher against Minnesota, briefly heading down the tunnel in the third period of a 4-3 overtime win on May 13 before returning to finish the series off. He skipped each of Colorado’s three practices since, then took the ice solo before Wednesday’s optional morning skate.
The Avalanche have been careful with specifics. The injury is officially undisclosed, though multiple reports tie it to a shoulder issue Makar has managed since the regular season.
There is no replacing what he brings. Makar is averaging 24:59 of ice time this postseason, second on Colorado only to Devon Toews, with five points (four goals, one assist), 22 shots on goal, and 18 blocked shots in nine games.
Josh Manson did not try to spin it:
“You can’t replicate it. He’s the best defenseman in the world. You can’t sugarcoat it.”
Logan O’Connor echoed the line, saying there’s “not one guy that’s going to be able to do it” but pointing to the depth that has carried Colorado through bumps already this spring.
Some of that depth shows up tonight. Sam Malinski and Artturi Lehkonen, who both sat out the final two games of the second round, draw back into the Game 1 lineup.
Game 1 follows two days of Makar uncertainty for Colorado. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN at Ball Arena.
