Cale Makar’s Impactful Return: Avalanche Secure Road Win Against Flames
CALGARY — Cale Makar made a resounding impact Tuesday night, immediately felt after a seven-game absence. Facing his hometown team, the reigning Norris Trophy winner assisted on all three goals as the Colorado Avalanche continued their impressive form with a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames, securing their eighth consecutive road win.
“Good to have him back,” said Nathan MacKinnon, who sealed the win with his league-leading 53rd goal into an empty net. “Obviously, he’s the best defenceman in the world. He pushes the pace. He was great tonight. Made some really good plays.”
Makar’s Return: A Game Changer
Makar, returning from an upper-body injury, was unavailable for post-game comments as he underwent medical treatment. However, coaches from both teams were eager to share their observations. Avs’ assistant coach Nolan Pratt, a former NHL defenceman with nearly 600 career games under his belt, highlighted Makar’s unique abilities.
“Dynamic player that can create something out of nothing,” Pratt stated. “We see (Makar) do it all the time, and we’re lucky to get to watch it and be a part of it as coaches. He can see things that other people can’t and if you give him a little bit of space, he can hurt you.”
A prime example was the tying goal in the second period. Makar, positioned in the corner, delivered a perfectly threaded pass through the slot to Artturi Lehkonen, who capitalized with a one-timed shot past Flames’ netminder Dustin Wolf.
Beyond Offense: Makar’s All-Around Game
While Makar’s offensive prowess often grabs headlines, his overall game is what earned him the reigning Norris Trophy for best defenceman. “Everyone thinks of the offensive side of the game for him, but he does so much for us with our penalty kill and five-on-five play, and playing against top lines every game,” Pratt explained. “He’s one of the best players in the world, obviously, and we welcome him back any time.”
Flames coach Ryan Huska acknowledged the challenge of facing Makar. “He’s a challenge to coach against,” Huska admitted. “The way he sees the game, for one, but also the way that he handles the puck, and he’s able to use his deception to his advantage. Right from breakouts in his own zone, he’s basically full speed after a little deception to get away from a forecheck and he’s elite on the offensive blue line with how he moves across the line.”
Avalanche Look Ahead to Playoffs
The Avalanche, already securing the Presidents’ Trophy, are preparing for the playoffs. Despite not yet knowing their first-round opponent, they anticipate the start of the post-season this weekend, though a few days of rest are welcomed after a demanding schedule. Colorado has played 27 games in 51 days since the Olympic break, joining Tampa Bay and San Jose as the busiest teams in the league.
Brock Nelson and Devon Toews were given the night off against Calgary. The Avs are expected to rest more key players in their season finale against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.
“Honestly, just looking forward to the regular season being over,” said MacKinnon. “It feels like it’s been a long time these last few weeks. We clinched first last week against Calgary, had a few games since then, but a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun.”
The Avs will be looking to translate their dominant regular season performance into playoff success. Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, Colorado has faced early exits, losing in the first round twice and a second-round exit in 2024.
MacKinnon believes their franchise-best 29-7-5 road record this season will be a key factor. Four years ago, they were 9-1 on the road in the post-season. They’re entering the playoffs with eight straight road wins and a 14-1-0 record in their last 15 games away from Ball Arena.
“You’ve got to be really good road team to have success,” said MacKinnon.
Gabriel Landeskog scored the winning goal with less than five minutes remaining, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 30 saves to secure the win.
