Avalanche to Open Western Final Without Cale Makar

The Colorado Avalanche will be without star defenseman Cale Makar for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night due to an upper-body injury. Head coach Jared Bednar announced the decision after the team's morning skate, describing Makar as day-to-day.

Bednar said Makar is improving and was on the ice Wednesday morning feeling good, but will not be available for the series opener. This marks the first playoff game Makar has missed due to injury in his Avalanche career, though he was suspended for one game during the 2023 postseason.

The 27-year-old Norris Trophy finalist has been a central figure in Colorado's playoff run, recording four goals and one assist while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time per game. His absence is a significant setback for a team that has posted an 8-1 record this postseason. Makar is an integral part of both the power play and penalty kill units.

The injury stems from two separate incidents during Colorado's second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. Makar briefly left Game 1 after a hard hit along the boards. He then left Game 5 holding his right arm following a late collision, though he...