DENVER -- Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar missed Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden Knights on Wednesday night.
Speaking before his team's 4-2 loss, Colorado coach Jared Bednar said Makar is day-to-day.
Makar skated on Monday and again Wednesday morning, and according to Bednar, he is improving. He did not practice Tuesday.
"I think he's doing a lot better," Bednar said. "He's on the ice again this morning, feeling pretty good."
Makar left the ice holding his right arm following a collision late in Game 5 against Minnesota last Wednesday but returned as Colorado won the game in overtime. He also briefly left Game 1 after taking a hit along the boards, with his right leg flying into the air before he fell to the ice.
Sources told ESPN that Makar is dealing with more than one injury, though the one suffered and possibly aggravated in the series against Minnesota is the more serious one and is keeping him out.
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 in ice time -- second on the team only to Devon Toews.
"Best defenseman in the world," Avalanche forward Logan O'Connor said. "He's not going to be easily replaced. There's not one guy that's going to be able to do it. I think the advantage we have with the group we have in the game tonight is a lot of guys can be minute munchers for us."
This is the first time Makar has missed a playoff game for the Avalanche with an injury. He was suspended one game for interference during a series against Seattle in 2023.
Makar has missed some recent practices but no games as the Avalanche had gone 8-1 in the playoffs ahead of Wednesday's loss.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
