Makar or no Makar, Avalanche need more from their other top players | Evan’s take
Makar or no Makar, Avalanche need more from their other top players | Evan’s take
The Colorado Avalanche find themselves at a critical juncture in the Western Conference Finals, facing a daunting deficit against the Vegas Golden Knights. While much of the narrative has centered on the absence of superstar defenseman Cale Makar, whose upper-body injury has left a gaping hole on the blue line and the power play, the reality is far more complex. Even without their Norris Trophy finalist, the Avalanche boast a roster filled with elite talent and deep experience. For Colorado to claw back into this series, the focus must shift from who is out of the lineup to who is in it. It is time for the remaining core players to elevate their game and carry the weight that a championship-caliber team requires when adversity strikes.
The Colorado Avalanche must receive significantly higher production and leadership from their remaining top-tier players, including Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, to overcome the absence of Cale Makar in the Western Conference Finals. Relying on depth scoring and improved defensive structure is essential for the team to stay competitive against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Impact of the Cale Makar Injury
Cale Makar is not just a defenseman; he is the engine that drives the Colorado Avalanche. Averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time, his ability to transition the puck, quarterback the power play, and neutralize opposing top lines is unparalleled in the NHL. His absence in Game 1 and Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals was palpable. The Avalanche struggled with zone exits and looked stagnant on a power play that went 0-for-6 in a crucial stretch. Coach Jared Bednar noted a "trickle-down effect" where other defensemen were forced into roles they weren't accustomed to, leading to defensive lapses and confusion in the defensive zone. However, as Bednar succinctly put it, "He's not playing. We have to find a way."
Nathan MacKinnon: The Need for Playoff Dominance
Nathan MacKinnon is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, often mentioned in the same breath as Connor McDavid. During the regular season and early rounds, MacKinnon was a force of nature, but the Western Conference Finals have seen him somewhat neutralized by Vegas's disciplined defensive structure. For the Avalanche to succeed, MacKinnon needs to find that "extra gear" that allows him to single-handedly take over games. His 1.71 points per game pace is historic, but in the face of the Golden Knights' 1-4 defensive shell, his zone entries have been challenged. The team needs their leader to be the most dominant 5-on-5 player on the ice, creating opportunities not just for himself but for his linemates.
Mikko Rantanen and the Top Line Burden
Alongside MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen remains a dominant force. Rantanen’s size and skill make him a nightmare for opposing defenders, yet even he has found it difficult to maintain the scoring pace required to mask the team's defensive deficiencies without Makar. The "Holy Trinity" of MacKinnon, Rantanen, and Makar has been the backbone of the franchise for years. With one pillar missing, the other two must expand their influence. Rantanen needs to be more assertive in the "dirty areas" of the ice, winning puck battles and providing the net-front presence that can disrupt the rhythm of Vegas's goaltending.
The Depth Scoring Dilemma
One of the most encouraging signs for Colorado has been the occasional surge from their depth players. Jack Drury and Parker Kelly have stepped up at times, providing much-needed secondary scoring. However, consistency is the issue. In a 3,000-word analysis of a playoff series, depth is often the deciding factor. The Avalanche's third and fourth lines must do more than just provide "rest minutes" for the stars; they need to tilt the ice and force Vegas to defend deep in their own zone. When the top line is being hard-matched, the secondary scoring must be the difference-maker.
| Player Category | Required Performance Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Elite Forwards (MacKinnon/Rantanen) | Increase high-danger scoring chances and power play efficiency. |
| Support Defensemen (Toews/Girard) | Assume primary puck-moving duties and stabilize zone exits. |
| Bottom-Six Depth | Provide physical pressure and timely secondary goals. |
| Goaltending (Wedgewood) | Maintain a save percentage above .915 to compensate for defensive gaps. |
Devon Toews and the Defensive Leadership
Devon Toews has long been the underrated partner to Makar's flashiness. Now, Toews must step into the spotlight as the definitive leader of the defensive corps. His ice time has spiked, and his responsibilities in all situations have grown. Toews needs to be flawless in his decision-making. Without Makar to bail the team out with recovery speed, the Avalanche defense must rely on positioning and communication. Toews’s ability to stabilize his defensive partner, whether it’s Blankenburg or Malinski, is vital to preventing the "blown leads" that have plagued Colorado in this series.
Special Teams: Fixing the Power Play
The Avalanche power play has looked lost without Makar at the point. The movement is slower, and the shot threats are more predictable. This is where coaching and veteran execution must take over. Bednar has tried different combinations, but the results remain "awful" according to some analysts. The remaining players must simplify their approach—shoot more, create chaos in front of the net, and stop looking for the "perfect" pass that Makar usually delivers. A functioning power play at 70% efficiency is what kept them afloat previously; returning to that level is a non-negotiable requirement for a comeback.
Coaching Adjustments and the Pete DeBoer Factor
There is a growing narrative that Jared Bednar struggles specifically against teams coached by Pete DeBoer. Whether it was the Sharks, the Golden Knights in previous years, or the Stars, DeBoer's systems seem to frustrate the Avalanche's high-octane offense. Bednar must find a tactical counter to the Vegas 1-4 neutral zone trap. This may involve a more "dump and chase" style that goes against the team's natural instincts but is necessary to crack a disciplined defense. The players need to buy into a system that prioritizes puck security over highlight-reel plays.
The Mental Hurdle: Overcoming Deflating Losses
Losing a game where you lead or controlled much of the play is mentally taxing. The Golden Knights’ ability to "steal" games has been deflating for Colorado. The leadership group, led by Landeskog (even in an off-ice capacity) and MacKinnon, must ensure the locker room remains focused. Having a "short memory," as Makar himself often preaches, is essential. The Avalanche have the talent to win four games in a row, but they cannot do so if they are still dwelling on the mistakes of the previous night. The focus must remain on the next shift, the next period, and the next win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long is Cale Makar expected to be out?
A: The Avalanche have listed Makar as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, though he has already missed the first two games of the Western Conference Finals.
Q: Who is leading the Avalanche in scoring during the 2026 playoffs?
A: Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen continue to lead the team, despite the increased defensive pressure from opponents.
Q: What is the main struggle for the Avalanche power play?
A: The primary struggle is the lack of a dynamic puck-mover at the point to replace Makar, leading to predictable passing and fewer high-danger shots.
Q: Has Jared Bednar been successful against Pete DeBoer in the past?
A: Historically, Bednar has struggled against DeBoer-coached teams in the playoffs, often falling to systems that prioritize neutral zone defense.
Q: Which depth players have stepped up for Colorado?
A: Players like Jack Drury, Parker Kelly, and Blankenburg have contributed goals, though the team needs more consistent production from the entire bottom six.
Conclusion
The Colorado Avalanche are far from finished, but the road to the Stanley Cup Final has become significantly steeper. While Cale Makar’s brilliance is irreplaceable, the team cannot afford to wait for his return to find their rhythm. This series serves as a ultimate test for Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and the entire supporting cast. To beat a team as disciplined as the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado must display a level of depth and tactical flexibility they haven't yet reached in this series. Whether Makar returns for Game 3 or not, the Avalanche need more from their top players to prove they are still the dominant force they were during the regular season. The time for excuses has passed; the time for a championship response is now.
Makar or no Makar, Avalanche need more from their other top players | Evan’s take
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