Cale Makar returned for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday.
The defenceman had yet to play in the best-of-7 series, which the Avalanche trail 2-0, because of an upper-body injury.
Makar’s Absence in Games 1 and 2
Makar was on the ice for an optional skate and took reps with the first power-play unit prior to Game 2 on Friday, but he ultimately missed his second straight game, a 3-1 loss at Ball Arena in Denver.
Defenseman Jack Ahcan replaced Makar in Game 1, a 4-2 loss on Wednesday, and was minus-1 in 7:34 of ice time. Defenseman Nick Blankenburg, who was a healthy scratch in Game 1, played 9:21 in Game 2.
Makar’s Impact on the Avalanche
Makar has five points (four goals, one assist), 22 shots on goal and 18 blocked shots in nine playoff games this season while averaging 24:59 of ice time, which is second on the team behind defenceman Devon Toews (25:59).
“I think the biggest thing for me is just how many minutes he plays every night,” Avalanche defenceman Brett Kulak said. “None of those minutes are wasted. Every time he’s on the ice, he’s controlling the play. Rarely is he hemmed in the (defensive) zone, he almost always has the puck on his stick, making breakout (passes), spending time in the (offensive) zone, creating scoring chances.”
Bednar’s Perspective on Makar’s Return
“Obviously, Cale helps in so many different areas. You can’t put in a new guy in the lineup and replace him, but you can make sure you’re focused and prepared to play your best game,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “I don’t think that happened with our group on the back end for the first two (games), probably mostly with puck management efficiency, moving out of the (defensive) zone, neutral zone, limiting turnovers. So, it’s an area I expect we’ll be better at tonight, like we talked about.”
Makar’s Career Achievements
During the regular season, Makar was third among NHL defencemen with 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games, averaged 24:51 of ice time per game and was plus-32. He was named a finalist for the Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the best defenceman in the NHL.
- Makar has 507 points (136 goals, 371 assists) in 470 regular-season games.
- He also has 90 points (26 goals, 64 assists) in 88 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
- The 27-year-old has won the Norris twice (2021-22, 2024-25), the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year (2019-20), and the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with Colorado in 2022.
“I think a big thing is that knowing nobody can try to be Cale, can act or try to play like him,” Kulak said. “You just have to stay focused on what makes you the player you are and do those things and try to do the best for your team that way. It’s everyone being themselves.
“He’s a