Avalanche’s Cale Makar remains out for Game 2 against Golden Knights

Not the best news for a team trying to bounce back after a tough loss.

It has been announced that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is going to miss Game 2 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Makar also missed the first game of the series on Wednesday night, with his absence being very noticeable. Even while the Avalanche generated more scoring chances than the Golden Knights, the team had some glaring issues in their own zone, falling behind 3-0 by the early stages of the third period. Despite a valiant effort, the Presidents’ Trophy winners came up short of tying the game, losing 4-2 and relinquishing home-ice advantage.

Sam Malinski took Makar’s place on the top pair alongside Devon Toews. He posted a plus/minus of -1 in 20:31 of ice time, posting a shot on goal.

It hasn’t been disclosed what exactly is ailing Makar. He played the first nine games of Colorado’s run in the postseason, registering almost 26 minutes of ice time in the clinching Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Round 2. However, speculated shoulder and hip injuries have been enough for the Norris Trophy winner to be absent at a crucial time of the season.

While the Avs showed they can keep up with the Golden Knights, and certainly put the Pacific Division champs on their heels, not having Makar in the lineup is a noticeable hole, and one that the team needs to fill if they want to make it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in four years.

Through the first two rounds, the Calgary native has scored four goals and five points, with a +5 rating while averaging a hair under 25 minutes of ice time per game.

Game 2 is set for Friday night at Ball Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for a little after 8 p.m. ET.