Defenseman Cale Makar returned to the ice for the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights after missing the first two games with an upper-body injury. Vegas also got captain Mark Stone back after
LAS VEGAS — Cale Makar was back on the ice for the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, returning in time for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Makar missed the first two games in Denver with an upper-body injury he suffered in Game 5 of the conference semifinals against the Minnesota Wild. With him out, Vegas took advantage, winning the first two games of the series.
Makar’s return changes the feel of the matchup immediately. In this postseason, he has four goals, five points, 22 shots on goal and 18 blocked shots in nine games.
Colorado coach Jared Bednar had played things close to the chest earlier Sunday. Asked directly about Makar’s status, Bednar refused to provide an answer. “You’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
Vegas, meanwhile, brought back another major piece. Captain Mark Stone returned to the lineup after missing the last five games. Stone exited Game 3 of the Vegas conference semifinal series against the Anaheim Ducks with a lower-body injury.
The opening sequence of Game 3 now carries an added edge: Vegas won the first two contests without Makar, and it did so while Stone was still sidelined. This time, both teams are trying to put their star leadership and playmaking back on the same sheet of ice.
Cale Makar Colorado Avalanche Vegas Golden Knights Game 3 Western Conference Final Mark Stone NHL playoffs upper-body injury lower-body injury Jared Bednar