ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Avalanche defensemen , 21, and Cale Maker, 20, have developed elite skating and puck-moving ability. But as far as experience goes, Girard has 155 more regular-season games than Makar, and Avs coach senses he needs to reel the rookie back as far as responsibility goes.
So, for the second consecutive game Monday, Girard will quarterback the No. 1 power play as red-hot Colorado (7-0-1) takes on the St. Louis Blues — the defending Stanley Cup champions — to complete a five-game road trip. Makar ran the No. 1 unit in the first six games but will again slide to the second unit. At even-strength, Girard will again partner with and Makar will play with .
Makar, who was beginning his sophomore season at the University of Massachusetts a year ago while Girard was in his second NHL season, has played in more NHL playoff games (10) than regular-season games (eight). But in the playoffs last spring, the since-traded ran the No. 1 power play.
“If you watch Cale’s game, I’m pretty happy with it but he has been fighting the puck a little bit at times, too,” Bednar said after Monday’s morning skate at Enterprise Center. “It gets harder when you’re playing with the big boys, you put a little more pressure on (yourself) and I just want him to relax and go play his game … Part of what we need him to do is being a productive player on the power play so we’ll give him an opportunity on the second unit. We’re always open to change it back.”
Bednar also said he wants Makar to shoot more, which he’ll probably do on the second unit. The coach also said Girard has more deceptive moves at the point to open passing lanes at the wings where (left) and (right) can fire one-timers. and are the other forwards on the No. 1 power play.
Footnote. The Avs will go with the same lineup that produced Saturday’s 6-2 win at Tampa Bay, although goalie will start in net. The healthy scratches will be forwards and and defenseman .
Jared Bednar after morning skate here in St. Louis
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers)
