The Colorado Avalanche enter the Western Conference Final with a growing concern surrounding their most important player.
Cale Makar remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury, and his status for Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights is suddenly in doubt.
Makar has now missed three straight practices after appearing to injure his right shoulder during Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild. The star defenseman absorbed a heavy hit late in the third period and immediately showed discomfort in his arm area. The injury adds to a growing list of physical issues this spring, including previous hip and upper-body concerns.
Head coach Jared Bednar attempted to calm fears earlier this week, saying he was not concerned “yet.” Still, teammates are openly acknowledging the challenge of replacing arguably the NHL’s best defenseman.
Speaking to SDPN Sports’ Drew Livingstone, fellow Avalanche blueliner Sam Malinski did not sugarcoat the situation.
"I don't know what to tell them," Malinski said about worried fans. "Obviously, it would be great to have him out here. Youcan't replace him, and we're going to miss him out there. Yeah, hopefully we can still get it done without him."
That honesty reflects Makar’s value. Even while battling injuries, the 27-year-old delivered another elite season with 79 points in 75 games and finished as a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth straight year. He has also produced five points in nine playoff games while driving Colorado’s puck movement and transition game.
The Avalanche have still looked dominant overall, posting an 8-1 playoff record after sweeping the Los Angeles Kings and eliminating Minnesota in five games.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
But Vegas presents a different challenge, especially with forwards Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner running hot. Without Makar controlling possession and breaking pressure, Colorado’s margin for error becomes much thinner entering Game 1.
Update: Avalanche coach Jared Bednar has confirmed that Cale Makar won’t play Game 1.
