Makar questionable for Avalanche in Game 3 of Western Final

LAS VEGAS -- Cale Makar is questionable for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday (8 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC).

The defenseman has yet to play in the best-of-7 series, which the Avalanche trail 2-0, because of an upper-body injury.

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 missed his second straight game, a 3-1 loss at Ball Arena in Denver.

“You’ll have to wait and see,” coach Jared Bednar said when asked about Makar’s status before the game Sunday.

Defenseman Jack Ahcan replaced Makar in Game 1, a 4-2 loss on Wednesday, and was minus-1 in 7:34 of ice time, and defenseman Nick Blankenburg was a healthy scratch. Blankenburg played 9:21 in Game 2.

Makar has five points (four goals, one assist), 22 shots on goal and 18 blocked shots in nine playoff games this season games while averaging 24:59 of ice time, second on the team behind defenseman Devon Toews (25:28).

“I think the biggest thing for me is just how many minutes he plays every night,” Avalanche defenseman 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.”

During the regular season, Makar was third among NHL defensemen in points with 79 (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, awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL.

“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,” 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.” 

In seven NHL seasons, Makar has 507 points (136 goals, 371 assists) in 470 regular-season games and 90 points (26 goals, 64 assists) in 88 Stanley Cup Playoff games. The 27-year-old 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 big loss, but we have a lot of good players on the team, and collectively as a group we just have to stick to our plan.”

Colorado is 1-for-5 on the power play without Makar, who is usually the lone defenseman on its unit. Toews has taken the spot in Makar’s absence and said the defensive group collectively, has to try and fill the void.

“I think you just have to play your game,” Toews said Sunday. “You’re going to get a few extra minutes (and) they’re going to be spread out a little bit differently. That’s why we have depth back there.

“We’re confident with the guys we’ve got. It’s just on us to get the job done and limit their chances and go help on the offensive side as well.”