The future of Avalanche hockey has a new number.
Colorado signed University of Massachusetts sophomore defenseman Cale Makar, the 2019 Hobey Baker Award winner, for its first-round Stanley Cup playoff push against Calgary. And Makar’s debut arrived in a crisp No. 8 Colorado sweater.
Makar formerly wore No. 16 with the Minutemen, currently occupied by Avs defenseman Nikita Zadorov, and Makar opted for a digit with some well-known history to diehard Colorado fans. Although the number hasn’t represented greatness in quite some time.
It looks like that may very well change after Monday night’s unforgettable performance.
Here’s a rundown of every Avalanche player since 1996 to rock No. 8:
Sandis Ozolinsh (1996-2000) — 72 goals and 181 assists over five seasons.
Teemu Selanne (2004) — Four-time All-Star who played one season in Colorado.
Wojtek Wolski (2006-10) — 73 goals and 120 assists over five seasons.
Kevin Shattenkirk (2011) — Seven goals and 19 assists in one season.
Jan Hejda (2012-15) — Scored 100th career point with the Avs.
Jack Skille (2016) — Eight goals and six assists in one season.
Joe Colborne (2017) – Four goals and four assists in one season.
More from Makar and the Avalanche’s Game 3 victory
+ Kiszla: Dude, where’s Makar? Right here in Denver, making NHL playoff history in 6-2 Avs win.
+ Avalanche and Makar provide memorable moments in dominating Game 3 victory over Calgary Flames.
+ Makar reflects on “crazy” path to Avalanche debut in Stanley Cup playoffs.
+ Avalanche balance toughness and smarts as Flames ignite playoff physicality.
+ WATCH: Makar scores goal in Avalanche debut in Stanley Cup playoffs.
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on Tap?
- Rockies: At San Diego Padres, 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, ATTRM |
- Nuggets: San Antonio Spurs, 7 p.m. Tuesday, ALT/NBA |
- Avalanche: Calgary Flames, 8 p.m. Wednesday, ALT/NBCSN |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
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Scoreboard
NHL: Avalanche 6, Flames 2
Full story |
MLB: Rockies 5, Padres 2
Full story |
Must-Read
Nuggets not in “panic mode” as coach Michael Malone identifies adjustments for Game 2
Nuggets coach Michael Malone’s autopsy on the Game 1 loss revealed a clear diagram for Game 2. After not logging a single fastbreak point in Saturday’s loss against San Antonio, the Nuggets want to run. Read more…
Columbine athletics helped carry the weight of a community’s healing during 1999 “redemptive” season
As Columbine’s athletic program was under a microscope as speculation swirled that the school’s “jock culture” had created an environment that led to the 1999 shooting that left 13 dead, sports provided the school a sense of togetherness. Read more…
Analysis: When the Colorado Rapids get knocked down, they don’t get back up
Winless in their first seven matches, the Colorado Rapids have conceded more goals than any other team in the league. In fact, their defense has been such an issue that they’re on pace to set the mark for most goals allowed in a single season. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ NFL Draft Preview: A lack of carries could help Alabama RB Josh Jacobs at the next level.
+ NFL Draft: A few late-round running backs who could be attractive to the Broncos.
+ Former Broncos wide receiver Jordan Taylor is getting another NFL shot with the Vikings.
+ Nikola Jokic wasn’t to blame for the Nuggets’ Game 1 loss, just ask the Spurs.
+ 🔊 Rockies podcast: German Marquez discusses flirting with a no-no, his Cy Young potential and more.
+ Rockies reinstated Antonio Senzatela before Monday night’s game, and also sent Chris Iannetta to the injured list amid a flurry of roster moves.
+ Wheat Ridge’s own Scott Fauble was the top American finisher at the Boston Marathon.
+ Boston Marathon men’s race: Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono outsprinted Ethiopa’s Lelisa Desisa to win.
+ Boston Marathon women’s race: Ethiopian Worknesh Degefa won by 44 seconds.
+ “Oops!” Skiers wipe out trying to get cheap Epic Pass before midnight deadline.
+ Even with an early start time, Tiger Woods delivered Masters ratings for CBS.
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
$1.2M
A Wisconsin man who claims to have never placed a bet on sports before he risked $85,000 on Tiger Woods winning the Masters is now more than a million dollars richer. Read more…
Parting Shot
Kiz vs. Singer: Does Nikola Jokic need to be more aggressive for the Nuggets to beat the Spurs?
Does center Nikola Jokic need to take over for the Nuggets to overtake the Spurs in their first-round Western Conference playoff series? Mark Kiszla and Nuggets beat writer Mike Singer hash it out. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
