Story perspectives

Makar, Stone Out as Avalanche Face Final Game 2

5/23/2026

Summary

Makar, Stone Out

Cale Makar and Mark Stone will miss Game 2 of the Final in Denver on May 22, 2026.
Makar has an upper-body injury from Game 5 while Stone has a lower-body injury that began in Game 3 on May 8.
Makar posted four goals, one assist while Stone added three goals, four assists and seven points.
Coach Jared Bednar said Makar’s absence hurts Avalanche’s offense, though the team is 24-6 (.800) in Game 2 at home.

Summary

Bednar Benches Makar

Coach Jared Bednar confirmed Cale Makar will sit out Game 2 despite appearing at the optional morning skate.
Denver Post columnist Troy Renck defended move, noting trainers and doctors must protect athletes and that it was not about toughness.
With Josh Manson, Sam Malinski and Brent Burns sidelined since the Los Angeles Kings series, Bednar said remaining defenders must boost offense and penalty killing as Brett Kulak and Jack Ahcan take extra minutes.

Summary

Avalanche Scores First

The Avalanche are 5-0 in the postseason when they score first.
Colorado coach Jared Bednar said the team reviewed Game 1 tape and discussed liked and disliked plays.
Vegas coach John Tortorella praised his squad’s swagger and noted a perfect 3-0 Game 1 record.
Colorado goaltender Carter Hart made 36 saves in Game 1, a key factor in the win.
Defenseman Devon Toews said the Avalanche must take the lead more in Game 2.

History

Historical Context

After moving from Quebec in 1995, the Avalanche captured the Stanley Cup in their inaugural Denver season (1996), the first major professional title for a Colorado team and the only franchise to win immediately after relocation. That early reliance on elite defensemen mirrors today’s 2026 challenge, where coach Jared Bednar must replace injured star Cale Makar with depth defenders to sustain playoff hopes.

1 of 4

Makar, Stone Out

Cale Makar and Mark Stone will miss Game 2 of the Final in Denver on May 22, 2026.
Makar has an upper-body injury from Game 5 while Stone has a lower-body injury that began in Game 3 on May 8.
Makar posted four goals, one assist while Stone added three goals, four assists and seven points.
Coach Jared Bednar said Makar’s absence hurts Avalanche’s offense, though the team is 24-6 (.800) in Game 2 at home.

1 / 4