Avalanche lose Makar; Vegas wins pivotal Game 2
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Denver: The Colorado Avalanche will be without defenseman Cale Makar for Game 2 of the Western Conference Final after coach Jared Bednar ruled him out on Friday; Makar had already missed Game 1 and was visibly banged up late in the second-round series versus Minnesota this postseason.
Denver's Game 2 absence coincided with a 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday night that shifted momentum; goalie Scott Wedgewood conceded two quick goals and Ivan Barbashev added an empty-netter. Captain Gabriel Landeskog said the team will meet, fly to Las Vegas and regroup for the upcoming games this week.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Makar was visibly banged up late in the second-round series versus Minnesota and briefly left the ice.
- 2. Makar missed Game 1 of the Western Conference Final; Avalanche lost 4-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights.
- 3. On Friday morning before Game 2, Makar skated in drills but coach Jared Bednar ruled him out.
- 4. In Game 2 on Friday night, the Avalanche lost 3-1, with goals by Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev and an empty-net goal.
- 5. The Avalanche held a team meeting and planned to fly to Las Vegas to regroup for subsequent games.
Why it matters
The Avalanche's loss of Makar is a blow to fans hoping for a strong playoff run. His absence in Game 2, coupled with a shaky goaltending performance, has shifted momentum to Vegas. If you're a fan, it's time to rally behind the team as they regroup in Las Vegas.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
