Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his hit on Seattle Kraken’s Jared McCann in Game 4 of the playoff series. The hit happened midway through the first period as McCann had a shorthanded breakaway attempt. His shot was saved by Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev with Makar delivering an extremely physical hit on him up against the board. McCann was hurt on the play and didn’t return to the game.
Makar was initially given a 5-minute major penalty for interference, but following a review, the call was reduced to a two-minute minor. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced the suspension after a hearing with Makar. Makar, last year’s Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP, will be a spectator for Game 5 with the series tied 2-2. Makar has no history of being fined or suspended since making his NHL debut in 2019.
The suspension is another blow for the Avalanche, who played the past two games without forward Valeri Nichushkin for personal reasons and have been beset by key injuries for much of the season. Makar has led Colorado in ice time in the series, averaging 25 minutes, 15 seconds per game, and he played nearly 27 minutes in Game 4. He has one goal and two assists through the first four games.
