The Stanley Cup first round series between the Seattle Kraken and Colorado Avalanche has been intense. Most of the games have been close with lots of physical play. However, one play in particular has gotten Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar suspended. Makar has been suspended one game by the NHL Department of Player Safety. News of the suspension broke Tuesday afternoon.
Colorado’s Cale Makar will have a hearing today for Interference against Seattle’s Jared McCann.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 25, 2023
Cale Makar Possibly Suspended; Set for Hearing
Makar hit Seattle forward and leading scorer Jared McCann in the first period of Game 4 at Climate Pledge Arena. McCann would leave the game and not return. Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol has said that the 40-goal scorer will be out for Game 5 and possibly longer. Makar was initially given a five-minute major for interference, but that was reduced to just two minutes. Seattle would score on the ensuing power play en route to a 3-2 overtime win to tie the series at two games apiece.
Makar is the reigning Norris and Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He posted 17 goals and 49 assists in just 60 games this season with the club. The former University of Massachusetts product also won the Hobey Baker Award for best college hockey player in 2018.
Impact of Cale Makar Being Suspended
Losing Makar is a big blow for the Avalanche. He’s the quarterback of the power play and helps make the Avalanche one of the most efficient power plays in the league. The Calgary native is also a very good defender in his own end of the ice.
This series has been closer than many anticipated and the Kraken aren’t intimidated by the champs. Colorado is also dealing with forward Valeri Nichushkin being away from the team for personal reasons. The Avalanche are also playing without their captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has been injured all season. Colorado’s captain won’t be back for the post-season.
Game 5 is usually a pivotal game in any series and having Cale Makar Suspended would be a major loss for the Avalanche. However, the series is far from over.
Main photo by: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
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