🚨 BAD NEWS FOR COLORADO AVALANCHE FANS 💔 Cale Makar will once again be OUT for the Avalanche in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. A massive blow for Colorado as they’ll have to face another crucial battle without their biggest defensive superstar on the ice. The pressure is now higher than ever for the rest of the squad to step up.

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche will be without standout defenceman Cale Makar for Game 2 of the Western Conference Final on Friday night because of an upper-body injury.

Makar, who also sat out Game 1, went through different skating and shooting drills Friday morning ahead of the game against Vegas before coach Jared Bednar ruled him out. The Golden Knights lead the series 1-0 after a 4-2 win.

“It hurts when you don’t have Makar, but every team is going through (injuries),” Bednar said, pointing out that Vegas has been missing captain Mark Stone.

“Our goal is to be the best version of ourselves we can be tonight, and that’s without Cale, and so be it. I still think we’re capable of winning the hockey game if we’re better than we were the other night.”

Makar appeared to be banged up in Game 5 last week as the Avalanche closed out their second-round series with Minnesota. He left the ice holding his right arm but later returned. He also briefly departed Game 1 after taking a hit along the boards, with his right leg flying into the air before he fell to the ice.

Bednar declined to say who would fill in for Makar. It could be Jack Ahcan again or possibly Nick Blankenburg, who was acquired from Nashville in March. Alex Gagne also remains a possibility.

Makar has four goals and an assist while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time through the opening two rounds. The Norris Trophy finalist also factors heavily into the Avalanche’s special teams.

Any mental aspects to not having Makar on the ice for a crucial game?

“I don’t think when you’re playing you can think about it. I think that’s a hindrance,” Avalanche defenceman Josh Manson said. “Going into it, obviously, you hope he’s playing. I don’t think anybody can ever stand up here and say, ‘Oh, I hope he’s not playing.’

“I mean, he’s a generational player. I don’t think you want to think about it. I think you’ve just got to keep playing.”

Defensively, the Avalanche will also need stronger performances from secondary defensemen expected to absorb larger workloads. Increased ice time can quickly expose weaknesses during playoff hockey, especially against elite offensive opponents capable of exploiting even the smallest defensive mistakes under pressure.

Goaltending may ultimately become Colorado’s biggest lifeline in this difficult situation. A strong performance between the pipes could temporarily compensate for some of the defensive instability caused by Makar’s absence. However, relying entirely on the goalie rarely becomes a sustainable formula deep into the postseason.

What makes this situation especially heartbreaking for Avalanche fans is the emotional connection Makar has built with the organization. Since arriving in Colorado, he has become one of the franchise’s most beloved stars, admired not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his calm personality and leadership.

Many fans still remember his dominant performances during Colorado’s previous playoff runs, where he consistently delivered in crucial moments against elite competition. Those memories only increase the frustration of watching the team fight through such an important series without their most dynamic defenseman available.

Opposing teams undoubtedly recognize the opportunity created by Makar’s absence. Facing the Avalanche without their defensive cornerstone changes the strategic landscape considerably. Colorado’s opponents may now attempt to pressure the defense aggressively, targeting weaknesses that are normally hidden when Makar patrols the ice.

Still, playoff hockey has repeatedly shown that adversity can sometimes unite teams in unexpected ways. Colorado players understand their season could begin slipping away if they fail to respond immediately. That urgency may inspire some of the roster’s role players to deliver career-defining performances under immense pressure.

Several younger Avalanche players now have an opportunity to prove they can handle bigger responsibilities during high-pressure moments. Playoff success often depends on unexpected heroes emerging at the right time, and Colorado desperately needs someone capable of stepping forward while Makar remains unavailable.

Fans inside the arena are expected to create an emotional environment for Game 2 as the Avalanche attempt to overcome the growing adversity surrounding the team. The energy from the crowd could become critical, especially if Colorado manages to start the game aggressively and build early momentum.

Despite the disappointment surrounding Makar’s continued absence, the Avalanche season is far from over. The roster still contains elite talent, playoff experience, and championship ambition. However, the margin for error has become dramatically smaller, and every player now faces increased responsibility moving forward.

For now, all eyes remain focused on whether Colorado can survive another crucial postseason battle without the player many consider the foundation of their defensive identity. Game 2 may ultimately reveal whether the Avalanche still possess enough resilience, depth, and determination to continue their pursuit of another Stanley Cup dream.