The Colorado Avalanche entered the Western Conference Final with a ton of confidence and only a single defeat within the postseason — but after back-to-back home losses to the Vegas Golden Knights, things are dire within the Mile High City.
The Avs are nearing must-win territory, facing an 0-2 hole with a fully critical Game 3 looming at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday. Colorado hasn’t been the identical team without Norris Trophy finalist Cale Makar, who missed each of the primary two games.
Frustrations are clearly evident, and head coach Jared Bednar raised some eyebrows together with his latest comments regarding the superstar defenseman.
“He’s coping with an injury, obviously, and he’s been within the gym strengthening and testing it on the ice,” the bench boss told reporters on Saturday, per NHL.com’s Shawn P. Roarke.
“Cale is the one person who knows when he’s ok to play, that is why it’s his decision. We all know what the injury is, we all know what he’s coping with, we all know that we’ll expect him back in some unspecified time in the future, but you’ve got to get to a level of being comfortable with what you are coping with and the pain tolerance and depending on what he’s coping with, he’ll tell us when he’s able to play, so it’s just really so simple as that.”
While social media was divided over Bednar’s comments, it’s clear the top coach wants one in every of his most significant players within the lineup at a very powerful time of the 12 months.
Makar was injured in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild in Round 2, and although he’s been on the ice, he’s missed the primary two Stanley Cup Playoff contests of his profession.
It is easy to wonder if the Avalanche can win this series without him, especially considering the uphill challenge they now face after losing each games at Ball Arena.
Since 1982, road teams which have built a 2-0 lead within the conference finals have an ideal 13-0 series record. The situation has turn into bleak, and winning Game 3 in Las Vegas on Sunday is crucial.
As usual, Makar’s status for that tilt shall be the No. 1 storyline for the NHL’s best regular season club.
The Colorado Avalanche entered the Western Conference Final with a ton of confidence and only a single defeat within the postseason — but after back-to-back home losses to the Vegas Golden Knights, things are dire within the Mile High City. The Avs are nearing must-win territory, facing an 0-2 hole with a fully critical Game 3 looming at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday.