Cale Makar making progress, but he’s out for massive Game 2

Colorado Avalanche superstar defenseman Cale Makar is making progress.

But it’s not enough to get him back in the lineup for Game 2 of the Western Conference Final.

Makar worked with the Avs at morning skate on Friday, including in a blue jersey with the first power play unit. That’s a step in the right direction, but he won’t take the ice against the Vegas Golden Knights later this evening.

Cale Makar is also out Game 2 of the Western Conference Final.

— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) May 22, 2026

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar shared the news with the media, taking any suspense out of it.

Cale Makar has now skated three straight days, but clearly he’s not ready to re-join the Avalanche yet. They fell 4-2 in Game 1 without him. It’s the first time the Avs have trailed in a series all postseason and it was also the first time these playoffs Colorado had dropped a game at Ball Arena.

Makar is dealing with apparent hip and shoulder injuries and hasn’t played since Game 5 against Minnesota last Wednesday. He has four goals and one assist in nine playoff games while averaging nearly 25 minutes on the ice.

It’s another huge blow as the Avalanche look to avoid an 0-2 hole before the series shifts to Vegas.

However, it does appear Cale Makar is getting closer to a return. Earn a victory tonight and perhaps get him back for Game 3 and you can bet the Avalanche would be feeling alright.

Related

Avalanche name new head coach for AHL affiliate EaglesFive most important Avalanche games during the 2026-27 seasonNHL drops schedule for 2026-27 Avalanche seasonFirst Avalanche game of 2026-27 season announced, it’s in SeptemberAvs make three more depth signings, including forward with 477 NHL gamesAvalanche sign depth defenseman from the Flyers