Avs star defender Makar out Game 1 of Western Conference finalsEmily Kaplan
DENVER — Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar will miss Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden Knights on Wednesday.
Colorado coach Jared Bednar mentioned Makar is listed as day-to-day. Makar skated on Monday, and according to Bednar, he is improving. He did not practice Tuesday.
Cale Makar will not play for the Colorado Avalanche for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals after an upper-body injury he picked up in Game 5 of the Avs’ series vs. the Minnesota Wild. Makar did not practice on Tuesday. Dustin Bradford/Icon SportswireSources mentioned Makar is managing more than one injury. Makar, like his Avalanche teammate Nathan MacKinnon, has a reputation around the league as someone who takes rehab and training very seriously.
Jack Ahcan will slot in on defense, but is expected to play a limited role.
Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist, has five points (four goals, one assist), and 18 blocked shots in nine games these playoffs while averaging 24:59 — second on the team only to Devon Toews.
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Asked what he’d say to fans worried about missing Makar for Game 1, fellow defenseman Sam Malinski mentioned Tuesday, “I don’t know what to tell them. Obviously, it would be great to have him out here. You can’t replace him, and we’re going to miss him out there. Yeah, hopefully we can still get it done without him.”
Makar has missed some recent practices but no games as the Avalanche have gone 8-1 in the playoffs.
Everyone else on the Avalanche is available, including Artturi Lehkonen and Malinski, who both missed the final two games against Minnesota in the second round. Both are expected to play. Scott Wedgewood will start in goal.
