Cale Makar will not play in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.
Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said his Norris Trophy-winning defenseman will miss the first contest of this best-of-series Wednesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights and considers him day-to-day.
Makar has played in every game this postseason, but was clearly laboring in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild. He missed a chunk of the third period in that game after leaving the playing area while favoring his shoulder. Bednar has mentioned that Makar is dealing with “some stuff” or “things” recently, suggesting there is more than one ailment he has been trying to play through.
Bednar said Jack Ahcan will play in place of Makar. He also said that everyone else among the regulars is healthy, so Sam Malinski and Artturi Lehkonen will return after missing the final two games of the Wild series.
