Colorado Avalanche Cale Makar out for Game 2 vs Vegas

The Colorado Avalanche are missing star player Cale Makar for the second game in a row. This is a big problem for their defense.
By Newsroom | Sports, Hockey |

No Respite for Colorado as Star Defenseman Sits Out Second Straight Game

The Colorado Avalanche will again be without their prominent defenseman, Cale Makar, for Game 2 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. This marks the second consecutive contest Makar has missed due to an upper-body injury, a situation confirmed by coach Jared Bednar on Friday. Makar was observed participating in skating and shooting drills Friday morning, but ultimately was deemed unfit to play.

The impact of Makar's absence was starkly evident in the Avalanche's performance. The team fell behind 3-0 and subsequently lost Game 2, surrendering three goals in the third period after holding a 1-0 lead. Makar’s continued unavailability significantly disrupts Colorado’s defensive structure and overall game flow, a point acknowledged by Bednar himself after the initial Game 1 loss. The series now shifts to Las Vegas with the Golden Knights holding a 2-0 advantage.

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On-Ice Adjustments and Increased Ice Time

In Makar's stead, defenseman Sam Malinski has been slotted into the top pairing alongside Devon Toews. This adjustment has led to increased ice time for other blue-liners. Devon Toews played over five minutes above his season average, Brett Kulak saw four minutes more ice time than his typical usage, and Sam Malinski logged nearly three additional minutes. This increased burden on the remaining defense corps, particularly during crucial game moments like the sequence leading to the game-winning goal in Game 2, highlights the void left by Makar.

Makar's Playoff Production and Injury Timeline

Prior to his injury, Cale Makar had been a significant offensive force for the Avalanche in the playoffs. He accumulated four goals and five points with a +5 rating across nine games, averaging just under 25 minutes of ice time. Makar sustained the injury during the second round against the Minnesota Wild, having not played since Game 3 of that series on May 8. He had previously participated in optional skates on Thursday and a morning skate on Friday before being officially ruled out for Game 2.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Cale Makar not playing for the Colorado Avalanche against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2?
Cale Makar is out with an upper-body injury. This is the second game in a row he has missed.
Q: How does Cale Makar's absence affect the Avalanche?
His absence hurts their defense and how they play. Other players like Sam Malinski and Devon Toews are playing more minutes.
Q: What is the series score between the Avalanche and Golden Knights after Game 2?
The Vegas Golden Knights are leading the series 2-0 against the Colorado Avalanche.
Q: When did Cale Makar get injured and how has he played this playoff season?
Makar was injured in the second round against the Minnesota Wild. Before getting hurt, he had 4 goals and 5 points in 9 games.