Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar to miss Game 1

Makar has recorded 4 goals and 1 assist through nine games this postseason, and is second on the team in ice time. He is officially listed as day-to-day.

The two-time Norris trophy winner recorded 25:50 of ice time before leaving late in the third after taking a hit from Minnesota Wild winger Mats Zuccarello.

Defenseman Sam Malinski will fill in for Makar on the top power play and first pair role. Malinski broke out this season for the Avalanche, recording 40 points in 82 games in his third season.

The Avalanche went (4-2-1) without Makar this season.

Game 1 of the Western Conference final is tonight, and the Golden Knights will look to take advantage of the Avalanche without their No. 1 defenseman.