Cale Makar Out for Game 1 Against Vegas

Avs need to shuffle D-core in Cale's absence.

NOBODY PANIC!

Cale Makar is out tonight for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. That is a pretty big hole to fill for the Colorado Avalanche in their quest for a second Stanley Cup in this version of the franchise.

Losing arguably the league’s best defenseman during the third round of the playoffs while taking on a team playing its best hockey of the season and boasting two of the top playoff scorers is less than ideal. However, if there is any time during this series to rest Makar and give his shoulder more time, it would be tonight.

Makar was clearly hurt against the Minnesota Wild during the second round, which left him playing noticeably below his usual supremely high standard. That being said, even with the injury, his play was not a noticeable hindrance or liability to the Avalanche in their five-game series victory.

Jared Bednar made the announcement this morning in the wake of a morning skate in which Makar took part, albeit on his own. Reports said that he was moving well and shooting and passing with a normal range of motion with no visual signs of distress or discomfort. Bednar added that he expects him back and considers him day-to-day, which hints at a possible Game 2 return on Friday night.