Story perspectives

Bednar Confident Makar Ready for Game 1 Despite Injuries

5/20/2026

Summary

Bednar Downplays Makar

Coach Jared Bednar said he is not yet concerned about defenseman Cale Makar before Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist, has five points, averages 25 minutes, and faces a shoulder injury and hip issue that leave his status uncertain.
Sam Malinski and Nathan Manson will step up if Makar misses, as Colorado entered the playoffs 8-1 after sweeping Los Angeles Kings and beating the Wild.

Summary

Bednar Sets Lineup

Coach Jared Bednar said all Avalanche players except Cale Makar reported for Tuesday’s practice.
Artturi Lehkonen returned to the ice for the first time since Game 3, while Brent Burns skated for the first time since Game 5, creating an eight-defenseman unit.
Ross Colton and Logan O’Connor were placed on the third line with Valeri Nichushkin and Nazem Kadri, while extras Joel Kiviranta and Zakhar Bardakov added depth for the Western Conference Final.

History

Historical Context

After moving from Quebec to Denver in 1995, the Colorado Avalanche won the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 1996, sweeping the Florida Panthers in a four-game series highlighted by Uwe Krupp’s triple-overtime winner and Patrick Roy’s 63-save shutout. The victory marked Denver’s first major professional championship and the first Cup for a team in its inaugural season after relocation.

1 of 3

Bednar Downplays Makar

Coach Jared Bednar said he is not yet concerned about defenseman Cale Makar before Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist, has five points, averages 25 minutes, and faces a shoulder injury and hip issue that leave his status uncertain.
Sam Malinski and Nathan Manson will step up if Makar misses, as Colorado entered the playoffs 8-1 after sweeping Los Angeles Kings and beating the Wild.

1 / 3