It wasn’t just a rest night, because Avs defenseman Cale Makar is out again

Unfortunately, Cale Makar sitting out the Avalanche’s 4-1 win over Calgary wasn’t just for rest.

The defenseman has been ruled out again for tonight’s game in Vancouver. Head coach Jared Bednar won’t say the injury Makar is dealing with, but these are the first two games of the season he’s missed.

#Avs Cale Makar is out for tonight’s game in Vancouver, per the team

— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) January 20, 2023

The good news is Makar skated this morning, so it’s clearly not a serious injury. Bednar told reporters that he has a shot to play tomorrow night in Seattle. Whatever is ailing him, it’s clear his body needs a little bit more time for recovery.

The 2022 Conn Smythe and Norris Trophy winner, Makar’s been excellent again for the Avs this season. He has 43 points, which is third on the team. Makar’s ripped the twine 13 times and dished out 30 assists. In a year in which the Avalanche have battled a ton of injuries, Makar and Mikko Rantanen have kept things afloat, while Colorado seemingly loses a new star every other week.

The good news is the Avs are getting healthier, and should have everyone back after the All-Star break, except for captain Gabriel Landeskog — his status remains murky at best.

The impressive victory over the Flames brought Colorado to 23-17-3 on the season. They’re just two points back of Calgary for the final Wild Card spot, also having played three fewer games. Things are looking better for the Avs, as they’re riding a three-game winning streak after hitting rock bottom in Chicago.

They did it without Makar the other night, and will have to do it again tonight. It’ll be a welcomed sight for Avalanche fans if he’s back out there on Saturday evening against the Kraken.

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