Makar returns for Avalanche in Game 3 loss in Western Final

LAS VEGAS -- Cale Makar returned for the Colorado Avalanche in 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday.

The defenseman, who missed the first two games of the series because of an upper-body injury, had three shots in a game-high 27:14 of ice time.

Colorado trails the best-of-7 series 3-0. Game 4 will be here on Tuesday (9 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC).

Defenseman Jack Ahcan replaced Makar in Game 1, a 4-2 loss on Wednesday, and was minus-1 in 7:34 of ice time. Defenseman Nick Blankenburg, who was a healthy scratch in Game 1, played 9:21 in Game 2, a 3-1 loss on Friday.

Makar has five points (four goals, one assist), 25 shots on goal and 24 blocked shots in 10 playoff games this season games while averaging 25:13 of ice time, which is second on the team behind defenseman Devon Toews (25:45).

“I think the biggest thing for me is just how many minutes he plays every night,” Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak said before the game. “None of those minutes are wasted. Every time he’s on the ice, he’s controlling the play. Rarely is he hemmed in the (defensive) zone, he almost always has the puck on his stick, making breakout (passes), spending time in the (offensive) zone, creating scoring chances.”

During the regular season, Makar was third among NHL defensemen with 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games, averaged 24:51 of ice time per game and was plus-32. He was named a finalist for the Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL.

“Obviously, Cale helps in so many different areas. You can’t put in a new guy in the lineup and replace him, but you can make sure you’re focused and prepared to play your best game,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “I don't think that happened with our group on the back end for the first two (games), probably mostly with puck management efficiency, moving out of the (defensive) zone, neutral zone, limiting turnovers. So, it’s an area I expect we’ll be better at tonight, like we talked about.” 

In seven NHL seasons, Makar has 507 points (136 goals, 371 assists) in 470 regular-season games. He also has 90 points (26 goals, 64 assists) in 88 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

The 27-year-old has won the Norris twice (2021-22, 2024-25), the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year (2019-20), and the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with Colorado in 2022.

“I think a big thing is that knowing nobody can try to be Cale, can act or try to play like him,” Kulak said. “You just have to stay focused on what makes you the player you are and do those things and try to do the best for your team that way. It’s everyone being themselves.

“He’s a big loss, but we have a lot of good players on the team, and collectively as a group we just have to stick to our plan.”