Avalanche face injury crisis as Makar’s status looms over Game 2
The Avalanche trail the series 1-0 after a 4-2 home defeat, with Cale Makar listed as day-to-day and Vegas captain Mark Stone sidelined.
The Colorado Avalanche host the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final on Friday, seeking to stabilise a series that has slipped out of their control. Colorado trails 1-0 following a 4-2 home loss in Game 1, a defeat that exposed significant vulnerabilities in their defensive structure and special teams execution.
A central concern for the Avalanche is the injury status of superstar defenseman Cale Makar. The 27-year-old, who is the reigning Norris Trophy winner and a finalist for the current season’s award, is listed as day-to-day. Makar had not been practicing prior to Game 1 and did not play, a decision that Avalanche coach Jared Bednar acknowledged impacted the team’s performance.
Bednar noted that Makar’s absence affected key areas where the team struggled, particularly with the top Nathan MacKinnon line. MacKinnon, the favourite for the Conn Smythe Trophy, failed to score in Game 1 for the first time in seven games, though he recorded an assist. Devon Toews and Josh Manson filled the defensive void on the penalty kill, while Toews took over power-play duties.
Vegas enters the contest without captain Mark Stone, who is also day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Stone, the franchise’s all-time postseason leader in goals and points, has been sidelined since Game 3 of the second round. Despite his absence, the Golden Knights secured the upset in Game 1, with goaltender Carter Hart making 36 saves and Brett Howden scoring the game-winning goal.
Historical data suggests a strong rebound opportunity for Colorado. Since relocating to Colorado in the 1995-96 season, the Avalanche hold a 24-6 all-time record in Game 2 at home. However, the Golden Knights have been resilient in similar scenarios, holding an all-time series record of 10-3 when taking a 1-0 lead.
Betting markets have shifted significantly following the Game 1 result. The Avalanche moved from -260 favourites to -120, while the Golden Knights drifted from +210 underdogs to +100. The Golden Knights’ Brett Howden is currently on a six-game road playoff goals streak, approaching the NHL record of seven set by Brian Propp in 1989.
