LAS VEGAS (AP) — Defenseman Cale Makar returned to the ice for the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Avalanche’s top defenseman missed the first two games in Denver with an upper-body injury he suffered in Game 5 of the conference semifinals against the Minnesota Wild.
Vegas has taken advantage of the two-time Norris Trophy winner’s absence, winning the first two games of the series.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, left, pursues the puck with Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman in the second period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Makar has four goals, five points, 22 shots on goal and 18 blocked shots in nine games this postseason.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar played coy with the media earlier Sunday, refusing to give a direct answer regarding Makar’s status.
“You’ll have to wait and see,” Bednar said.
Vegas also welcomed back a key figure, as captain Mark Stone returned to the lineup after missing the last five games. Stone exited Game 3 of Vegas’ conference semifinal series with the Anaheim Ducks with a lower-body injury.
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
The Warm-Up
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl