The Colorado Avalanche will be without superstar defenseman Cale Makar when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night.
Avs coach Jared Bednar announced that Makar suffered a minor injury during the team’s 5-1 victory over Detroit on Saturday and is out of Monday’s game as a precaution.
Bednar’s statement suggested that the 24-year-old is not seriously hurt and should be back in action in the coming days. Kurtis MacDermid will dress in Makar’s place.
Makar, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, will miss his 14th contest of the season. In February, he missed time with two concussions.
Despite his injury record, Makar is enjoying another stellar season for the Avalanche, notching 16 goals and 61 points over 55 games, good for third-most on his team.
The health of last season’s Conn Smythe winner will be of imperative importance for the defending Stanley Cup Champions as they try to repeat.
Colorado had struggled to recapture their dominant form for most of this season before a post-All-Star break surge brought them near the summit of the Central Division.
For the Avalanche, the top-seeded Dallas Stars, and the second-place Minnesota Wild, the margin between the Central Division crown and losing home ice in the first round is razor thin: the three teams are separated by three points.
The Avalanche have won five games on the bounce and will seek to continue their hot streak at home against a Blackhawks outfit that is third-worst in the NHL.
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