Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar won't play in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, head coach Jared Bednar announced, according to The Athletic's Mark Lazerus.
Makar is day-to-day with an injury, and Bednar expects him to play in the series, Lazerus added. Makar appeared to sustain an injury in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild. He briefly left the game but returned as the Avalanche closed out the series.
The 27-year-old missed multiple practices while Colorado waited for Round 3 to begin.
Makar has registered five points in nine playoff games this spring while averaging nearly 25 minutes per contest. He authored another brilliant regular season with 79 points, earning his sixth consecutive Norris Trophy nomination as the league's top defenseman.
Puck drop for Game 1 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
