Avalanche coach shares Cale Makar injury update before Game 2 vs. Golden Knights

The Colorado Avalanche will remain without star defenseman Cale Makar for Game 2 of the NHL ‘s Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday night. Coach Jared Bednar confirmed the update during his morning media availability. When asked directly if Makar would play, Bednar responded, “He’s not.

” Pressed about potential lineup adjustments afterward, Bednar added, “Yeah. I’m not gonna give you any other lineup decisions. I’ll give you eight out.

That’s it. ” Makar skated during the morning session and worked with Colorado’s top power-play unit, but the Avalanche ultimately decided against rushing him back. The 27-year-old defenseman has now missed the opening two games of the series after suffering an upper-body injury late in Colorado’s second-round win over the Minnesota Wild .

MORE: Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon assigns blame after Game 1 loss to Vegas The absence already showed in Game 1. Vegas capitalized on defensive breakdowns and won 4-2 in Denver to take a 1-0 series lead. Colorado struggled with defensive pairings throughout the night, and the Golden Knights repeatedly attacked the middle of the ice during transition play.