Cale Makar will be absent for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. The Avalanche face the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena on Wednesday. Makar is sidelined due to an undisclosed injury.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar has described the defenseman’s condition as day to day.
Ahcan to Step In for Makar
Jack Ahcan is set to take Makar’s place for Game 1.
Makar participated in the pre-game skate on Wednesday. This marks the first time he will miss a game this postseason. Throughout nine games, he has tallied five points, comprising four goals and one assist. Makar has recorded 22 shots on goal and 18 blocked shots, averaging 24:59 of ice time. This is second on the team behind defenseman Devon Toews (25:28).
“That’s a huge piece,” said Colorado defenseman Josh Manson. “You don’t replace a guy like that. We need guys to step and fill roles and you just do what you can. We’ve done it in the past with other guys out.”
Malinski and Lehkonen Set to Return
Sam Malinski and Artturi Lehkonen are poised to return. Both missed the final two games against the Minnesota Wild due to an upper-body injury. They practiced and Bednar confirmed they will be ready to play.
The Avalanche have utilised eight defensemen in the playoffs. Ahcan and Nick Blankenburg have been called upon due to injuries to Manson and Malinski.
Avalanche’s Depth a Key Factor
The Avalanche’s depth has been a significant asset. It contributed to them winning the Presidents’ Trophy with a 55-16-11 regular-season record. They have also won eight of their first nine playoff games against the Los Angeles Kings and the Wild.
Toews highlighted the second round. Manson missed the first three games with an upper-body injury, and Malinski was later absent in the series, which concluded on May 13.
“When we won (last round) we went 7-8 deep,” Toews said. “Sammy was hurt and we had guys step in. That is what we need, is guys to step in. Jack and ‘Blanks’ did that and did a really good job of it.
“Hopefully we get Sammy back in the lineup. He’s such a good part of our offense, creating offense from the back end with his puck moving and his skating ability.”
- Makar averages 24:59 of ice time, second on the team.
- He has five points (four goals, one assist) in nine games.
- Malinski has three points (one goal, two assists) in seven games.
The Golden Knights are the Pacific Division champions. They present a different challenge compared to the Avalanche’s previous opponents. The Wild were without top defenseman Jonas Brodin and two-way forward Joel Eriksson Ek against Colorado due to injuries.
Malinski has been a key part of the defenseman group this season. He has three points (one goal, two assists) and is plus-7 in seven games in these playoffs. In the regular season, he had 40 points (eight goals, 32 assists) and was plus-43, playing.