EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDENVER -- Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar will miss Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden Knights on Wednesday.Colorado coach Jared Bednar said Makar is listed as day-to-day. Makar skated on Monday and skated Wednesday morning, and according to Bednar, he is improving. He did not practice Tuesday.Sources say Makar is dealing with more than one injury, though one -- sustained and possibly reaggravated in the series against Minnesota -- is the more serious one keeping him out. Jack Ahcan will slot in on defense, but is expected to play a limited role.Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist, has five points (four goals, one assist), and 18 blocked shots in nine games these playoffs while averaging 24:59 -- second on the team only to Devon Toews.Asked what he'd say to fans worried about missing Makar for Game 1, fellow defenseman Sam Malinski said Tuesday, "I don't know what to tell them. Obviously, it would be great to have him out here. You can't replace him, and we're going to miss him out there. Yeah, hopefully we can still get it done without him."Makar has missed some recent practices but no games as the Avalanche have gone 8-1 in the playoffs.Everyone else on the Avalanche is available, including Artturi Lehkonen and Malinski, who both missed the final two games against Minnesota in the second round. Both are expected to play. Scott Wedgewood will start in goal.
