Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar misses practice on eve of Game 1 of Western Conference Final
Cale Makar sat out another practice session Tuesday on the eve of the Western Conference Final against Vegas. “No,” coach Jared Bednar said. Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist, left the ice following a collision late in Game 5 against Minnesota, only to return as Colorado won the game — and the second-round series — 4-3 in overtime.
DENVER (AP) — Cale Makar sat out another practice session Tuesday on the eve of the Western Conference Final against Vegas. Any cause for concern over the health status of the Colorado Avalanche defenseman heading into Game 1 on Wednesday? “No,” coach Jared Bednar said.
“Not yet. ” Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist, left the ice following a collision late in Game 5 against Minnesota , only to return as Colorado won the game — and the second-round series — 4-3 in overtime. He also briefly left Game 1 after taking a hit along the boards, with his right leg flying into the air before falling to the ice.
The 27-year-old Makar has four goals and an assist while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time through two rounds. He's a crucial part of their offensive and special teams plans. Asked what he'd say to fans worried about missing Makar for Game 1, fellow defenseman Sam Malinski responded: "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.