Avalanche's Cale Makar: Earns power-play helper in loss
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Makar notched a power-play assist, two shots on goal and four blocked shots in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.
Makar has four points over his last two outings after he endured a rare three-game slump. The 26-year-old defenseman continues to lead all NHL blueliners in points with 79 (25 goals, 54 assists) through 69 outings, 10 points ahead of the Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski. Makar has earned 32 of his points with the man advantage while adding 209 shots on net, 104 blocked shots and a plus-24 rating. He needs 11 points over the Avalanche's last 13 games to match his career-high total of 90 points from last season.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Nets OT winner
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Makar scored the game-winning goal and dished two assists, including one on the power play, in Sunday's 4-3 overtime win against Dallas.
Makar weaved through multiple defenders to net the game-winning goal just 34 seconds into the extra period. The first of Makar's assists was on a first-period power play goal by Martin Necas and the latter was on Valeri Nichushkin's tally in the second period. Overall, Makar has 25 goals, 53 assists, 207 shots on net and 100 blocks in 68 games this season. The 26-year-old blueliner's performance Sunday ended a three-game point drought. He currently leads all defensemen in points with 78, which is nine points better than Columbus' Zach Werenski. Makar's all-around contributions this season make him a top candidate to win the Norris Trophy for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Now that his point drought is over, expect elite-level production from Makar in the fantasy playoffs.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Six-game, 12-point streak
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Makar picked up an assist in a 7-4 win Saturday over Toronto.
This season continues to be a thing of beauty. Makar is on a six-game, 12-point streak that includes 10 helpers. His 75 points, including 24 goals, in 64 outings not only puts Makar on the top of all NHL defensemen but squarely into the NHL's top-10 overall, irrespective of position. He's tied with Jack Eichel for eighth on that list.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Six-point stunner in win
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Makar scored twice on three shots, added four assists and went plus-3 in Thursday's 7-3 win over the Sharks.
Makar has already done remarkable things in his career, but this was one of his best individual games yet. He tallied a power-play goal in the first period and the Avalanche's last marker in the third, and one of his four helpers also came with the man advantage. The 26-year-old blueliner also reached the 300-assist mark in his career Thursday. He has five goals, 11 assists and 34 shots on net over his last eight outings, and he's up to 24 goals, 74 points, 195 shots on net, 98 blocked shots and a plus-21 rating through 63 appearances this season.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Garners assist in win
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Makar registered an assist and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Penguins.
Makar's assist streak is up to four games, and he has a total of five helpers in that span. He contributed on Artturi Lehkonen's opening tally in the second period of this contest. Makar is up to 68 points (22 goals, 46 assists), 192 shots on net, 98 blocked shots and a plus-18 rating through 62 outings this season in another campaign as one of the NHL's elite blueliners.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Pockets helper in win
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Makar notched an assist and three shots on goal in Friday's 5-2 win over the Wild.
Makar has four helpers over his last three games after assisting on Jack Drury's game-winning tally Friday. In February, Makar amassed three goals and seven assists across eight NHL appearances while also playing with Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The superstar defenseman is up to 67 points (28 on the power play), 190 shots on net, 97 blocked shots and a plus-17 rating through 61 appearances this season.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Dishes two assists in win
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Makar notched two power-play assists, four shots on goal and two blocked shots in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Devils.
Makar has three goals and six helpers over seven outings in February in NHL play. The 26-year-old blueliner had a hand in both of Nathan MacKinnon's third-period tallies Wednesday. Makar continues to play at an elite level on the blue line, racking up 22 goals, 44 assists, 28 power-play points, 187 shots on net, 96 blocked shots and a plus-16 rating through 60 appearances. A 30-goal campaign is within reason, and he should also push toward a second straight 90-point season.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Back in action Monday for Canada
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Makar (illness) logged a team-high 23:57 in Canada's 5-3 win over Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday.
He had four shots and four blocked shots. Makar is the motor that runs the Canadian blue line in all three zones. His return is critical to Canada's chances on Thursday against the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Set to play against Finland
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Makar (illness) is expected to be in action for Canada against Finland on Monday, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.
With the Canadians needing a regulation win to get themselves into the Final of the 4 Nations Face-Off, the offense will be bolstered by the return of Makar, who was unavailable against the USA on Saturday. The blueliner was held off the scoresheet versus Sweden in the opener but still managed two shots and three blocked shots while leading the team with 28:06 of ice time. Makar should link up with the other Team Canada stars on the No. 1 power-play unit, setting him up well to offer solid fantasy value.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Slated to be game-time call
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Makar (illness) participated in Sunday's optional practice and will likely be a game-time decision for Monday's 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland, Claire Hanna of TSN reports.
Makar sat out Saturday's 3-1 loss to the United States despite partaking in the morning skate. He remains day-to-day ahead of a must-win game for Canada on Monday. If Canada secures a regulation win over Finland, the team advances to Thursday's championship matchup against Team USA.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Unavailable vs. United States
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Makar (illness) will miss Saturday's 4 Nations Face-Off game against the United States, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
Makar recorded two shots and three blocks in a team-high 28:06 of ice time in Canada's 4-3 overtime victory over Sweden on Wednesday. As a result of Makar's absence, Thomas Harley will draw into the lineup. The 26-year-old Makar's next chance to play for Canada will come Monday versus Finland.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Game-time decision Saturday
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Makar (illness) will be a game-time decision versus the United States on Saturday at the 4 Nations Face-Off, per Dan Rosen of NHL.com.
Makar participated in Saturday's morning skate after skipping Friday's session. He logged a game-high 28:06 of ice time versus Sweden on Wednesday in Canada's 4-3 overtime win. If Makar is unavailable to play, Thomas Harley is with Team Canada as an emergency option.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Set to play against Americans
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Makar -- who missed practice Friday due to an illness -- is expected to suit up in Saturday's clash with Team USA after coach Jon Cooper told reporters Friday, "I'm confident he'll be there," per Chris Johnston of The Athletic.
Makar led Team Canada with 28:06 of ice time against Sweden on Wednesday and would represent a significant gap on the blue line for the Canadians. Barring any setbacks, Makar should continue to rack up minutes versus the United States on Saturday and should remain on the No. 1 power-play unit.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Misses practice Friday
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Makar missed practice Friday with an illness, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.
Makar's illness gives Team Canada only five healthy defensemen ahead of Saturday's tilt with the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Canada is already down a defenseman with Shea Theodore out for the remainder of the tournament with an upper-body injury. Should Makar not be available Saturday, look for Thomas Harley to enter the lineup.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Racks up three more points in win
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Makar scored two goals on six shots, added an assist, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Friday's 5-4 win over the Oilers.
Makar's second goal was a shorthanded tally, and his assist came on the power play. The 26-year-old defenseman is one of the hottest players in the league over the last three weeks, racking up nine goals and four assists over his last 11 outings. He's now at 22 goals, 63 points (26 on the power play, two shorthanded), 175 shots on net, 91 blocked shots and a plus-18 rating through 57 appearances.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Secures 20-goal, 60-point campaign
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Makar scored a goal on eight shots, dished a power-play assist and went plus-2 in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Flames.
Makar's tally early in the second period tied the game at 1-1. He also helped out on Martin Necas' goal late in that frame. Makar has reached the 20-goal mark for the third time in the last four seasons, and he's also secured his fourth straight 60-point season. He's collected 169 shots on net, 89 blocked shots and a plus-16 rating. Makar would need to pick up the pace a little bit to match his 90-point 2023-24 regular season.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Logs helper in victory
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Makar produced a power-play assist in a team-high 26:51 of ice time in Sunday's 2-0 win over the Flyers.
Makar earned the primary helper on Nathan MacKinnon's 20th goal of the season late in the middle frame. Makar has had the goal-scoring touch of late, but he has only four helpers over his last 16 outings. That trend is unlikely to continue, considering Makar is one of the best playmakers in the world. The star defenseman is at 19 goals, 58 points and a plus-15 rating through 54 appearances this campaign. Makar and the Avalanche will kick off a three-game road trip in Vancouver on Tuesday.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Forces overtime Wednesday
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Makar scored a goal on three shots in Wednesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Jets.
Makar's third-period tally tied the game at 2-2 and helped the Avalanche get a standings point. The defenseman has three goals and an assist over his last five outings, which comes after a rare four-game point drought. He's up to 16 goals and 53 points, leading all NHL defensemen in both categories, and he's added 147 shots on net, 80 blocked shots and a plus-15 rating through 49 appearances.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Sixth-fastest defender to 100 goals
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Makar scored two goals in a 6-3 win over Dallas on Saturday.
The snipes included his 100th goal, coming in his 362nd game. Makar is the sixth-fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach the milestone. George Boucher (223), Bobby Orr (299), Paul Coffey (300), Ray Bourque (329) and Denis Potvin (348) were the five fastest. On another note, Makar blocked a wrist shot off the inside of his left ankle during the game, and while he seemed to shake it off, it could be worth monitoring.
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Avalanche's Cale Makar: Produces assist Tuesday
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Makar registered an assist and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Rangers.
Makar helped out on Parker Kelly's opening goal in the first period. This game wasn't all good for Makar -- he mishandled a pass that led to Sam Carrick tying the game on a shorthanded breakaway later in the opening frame. Makar has four points over seven outings in January, but his helper Tuesday snapped a season-worst four-game slump. He has a total of 50 points, which ranks him tied for first with the Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski. Makar has 20 power-play points, 134 shots on net, 71 blocked shots, 37 hits and a plus-13 rating over 45 appearances.
