Cale Makar was ruled out for Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights on May 22, 2026. The Colorado Avalanche needed his offensive firepower, but he continues to deal with an injury.
What happened?
The Avalanche came into the Western Conference Finals as the hottest team in the National Hockey League, going 8-1 through their first two rounds.
Why it matters for Cale Makar
Cale Makar's absence was felt in Game 1, as the Golden Knights took the series lead with a 4-2 win.
The right-side of the Avalanche defense looks suspect without Makar, with Sam Malinski, Josh Manson, and Jack Ahcan leading the way.
What comes next?
Head coach Jared Bednar did not give a major update on Makar's status beyond Game 2, leaving his return uncertain.
The Avalanche need to get back into the series without their Norris Trophy contending blue liner.
Cale Makar is a +5 in the playoffs so far, and his absence will be felt at both ends of the ice.
The team will look to avoid an 0-2 hole in the series before they hit the road.
Cale Makar was back on the ice at practice ahead of Game 2, giving fans a glimmer of hope.
However, that hope was short-lived, as he was officially ruled out ahead of the game.
The Avalanche will have to find a way to win without their star defenseman.
On May 22, 2026, the Avalanche announced that Cale Makar would not play in Game 2.
This news came after Sportsnet's Eric Francis revealed that Makar was back on the ice at practice.
Evan Rawal reported that Cale Makar would not play in Game 2.
The Avalanche will look to bounce back from their Game 1 loss without Cale Makar.
The Golden Knights have allowed two or less goals in six of their past eight games, making it a tough task for the Avalanche.
Cale Makar's injury has plagued him throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Avalanche were considered overwhelming favorites against the Golden Knights, but Game 1 did not go as planned.
The team will have to regroup and find a way to win without their star defenseman.
Cale Makar's status for Game 3 is still uncertain, leaving the Avalanche with a big question mark.
The team will have to find a way to replace his offensive firepower and defensive skills.
The Avalanche will look to get back on track without Cale Makar, but it will not be easy.
The Golden Knights are a loaded team that will be tough to beat, even with Cale Makar in the lineup.
The Avalanche will have to find a way to overcome his absence and get back into the series.
On May 22, 2026, the Avalanche announced that Cale Makar would not play in Game 2, leaving the team without their star defenseman.