Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar anticipated to overlook a couple of video games with upper-body harm

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche will likely be with out standout defenseman Cale Makar for a couple of video games after he suffered an upper-body harm in a win over Calgary earlier this week.

Coach Jared Bednar stated Wednesday after morning skate that Makar is “doing OK. He’s going miss some time, though. Nothing serious. Nothing that’s putting the playoffs in jeopardy or anything like that.”

The Avalanche host the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday evening as they attempt to transfer nearer to clinching the league’s greatest document. They presently maintain an eight-point lead.

Makar gave the impression to be harm when he was hit alongside the boards within the second interval Monday of a 9-2 win over the Flames. He completed with three assists regardless of not taking part in within the third interval.

When requested if Makar would possibly shut down for the remainder of the common season, Bednar merely responded, “No.” Colorado has 9 video games remaining.

Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, is third amongst defensemen this season with 75 factors (20 targets, 55 assists). He’s the league’s first defenseman to notch three straight 20-goal seasons since Phil Housley and Al MacInnis greater than three many years in the past.

“We talk about Cale enough as a player, about how important he is for us and our offensive game — power play — and defensively as well,” captain Gabriel Landeskog stated. “He’s a big, big part of our team. Other guys are going to have to step up.”

Bednar is adjusting his defensive pairings towards the Canucks. Nick Blankenburg is prone to take Makar’s spot within the lineup and figures to be partnered with Brent Burns. The 41-year-old Burns is anticipated to skate in his 999th straight sport Wednesday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Pat Graham, The Associated Press