DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche will not have superstar defenseman Cale Makar in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, coach Jared Bednar said.
Makar (upper body) is listed as day-to-day, but Bednar said he’s expected to play at some point in the series.
The two-time Norris Trophy winner, and Norris Trophy finalist this year, sustained multiple injuries during the second round against the Minnesota Wild but continued to play through.
Even at less than 100 percent, Makar is still a threat when he’s on the ice. Jack Ahcan, 29, will play his third career playoff game in his place.
The Avalanche are making their first conference final appearance since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. Makar, 27, was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner for playoff MVP that year.
Makar didn’t play in the April 11 meeting at Ball Arena, which the Knights won 3-2 in overtime and clinched a playoff berth.
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.
Up next
Who: Golden Knights at Avalanche
What: Western Conference Final, Game 1
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Ball Arena, Denver
TV: ESPN
Radio: KFLG 94.7 FM/KKGK 1340 AM
Line: Avalanche -185; total 6
—
Series schedule:
Game 1: Wednesday, 5 p.m. at Ball Arena (ESPN)
Game 2: Friday, 5 p.m. at Ball Arena (ESPN)
Game 3: Sunday, 5 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN)
Game 4: Tuesday, 6 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN)
*Game 5: May 28, 5 p.m. at Ball Arena (ESPN)
*Game 6: May 30, 5 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena (ABC)
*Game 7: June 1, 5 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN)
*if necessary
