Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will miss Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, coach Jared Bednar confirmed Friday. The two-time Norris Trophy winner remains sidelined with an upper-body injury that has kept him out for consecutive games. Makar's absence creates a significant void in Colorado's defensive corps and power-play unit.

Makar was spotted skating extensively before Friday's optional morning skate, completing various drills including forechecking, passing and shooting exercises. Despite his activity, the team opted to keep him out of the lineup for precautionary reasons. He initially suffered the injury during Game 5 against Minnesota when he left holding his right arm after a collision.

Colorado's 4-2 loss in Game 1 highlighted the challenges without their star defenseman. Bednar acknowledged a 'trickle-down effect' throughout the lineup, forcing increased minutes on Devon Toews, Brett Kulak, Sam Malinski, Josh Manson and Brent Burns. The Avalanche now face a 1-0 series deficit heading into Game 2.

Makar's return would restore Colorado's top defensive pairing alongside Toews and revive their primary power-play quarterback. The team needs to find ways to generate offense and defensive stability without their best player as the series shifts to Las Vegas for Games 3 and 4.