Avalanche Face Cale Makar Uncertainty Ahead of Game 1 vs. Golden Knights

The Colorado Avalanche stand on the brink of reclaiming the top spot in the Western Conference, but they may have to navigate Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights without their star defenseman, Cale Makar.

On Tuesday, Makar did not participate in practice, raising eyebrows just a day before the pivotal matchup at Ball Arena. In a sport where pre-game practices often signal player readiness, his absence was particularly conspicuous, as he was the only Avalanche player not on the ice.

Head coach Jared Bednar, alongside general manager Chris MacFarland at a joint news conference, attempted to quell concerns about Makar’s status. When asked if he was worried about Makar’s absence, Bednar replied, “No, not yet.” The addition of “not yet” left a hint of uncertainty hanging in the air.

Makar has been listed as day-to-day since he missed practices over the weekend, dealing with a shoulder injury he appears to have sustained during the second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. The injury occurred midway through the third period of Game 5, when Makar absorbed a check, immediately grabbing his right arm and heading straight to the locker room. Although he returned to the ice shortly after, the moment raised concerns about his condition. Additionally, a hip issue has complicated his availability during these playoffs, further clouding the situation. Despite the injuries, Makar has recorded five points in nine playoff games, showcasing his ability to dominate from the blue line.

Wednesday morning’s skate will provide a clearer picture of Makar’s readiness for the crucial game.

On a more positive note, the injury report for the Avalanche revealed encouraging signs. Defensemen Brent Burns, Sam Malinski, and Josh Manson, along with forward Artturi Lehkonen, returned to practice after missing time during the layoff between rounds, as reported by Denver Sports’ Will Petersen. While Bednar refrained from officially clearing any of them, their presence at practice certainly bodes well for the team.

The Avalanche’s depth will be crucial, regardless of Makar’s status. They have been nearly flawless in the playoffs so far, boasting an impressive 8-1 record, which includes a sweep of the Los Angeles Kings and a swift five-game exit of the Wild.

As the NHL’s top regular-season team returns to the conference final for the first time since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, anticipation builds for Wednesday night’s game at Ball Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m., marking the beginning of what could be an exciting journey for the Avalanche.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.