Cale Makar is expected to miss his second straight game for the Avalanche when they visit the Vancouver Canucks on Friday (10 p.m. ET; TVAS, SNP, ALT, ESPN+, SN NOW).
The defenseman, who took part in the morning skate Friday, did not play in a 4-1 win against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday because of an undisclosed injury. He had two goals and an assist in 19:39 of ice time in a 6-3 win against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday, when Colorado coach Jared Bednar said the injury occurred. Bednar also said it's to be determined if there's concern for the long term.
The Avalanche played with 11 forwards and seven defensemen against the Flames without Makar, their leader in average time on ice (27:09). Jacob MacDonald was the seventh defenseman.
"It's obviously impossible to replace Cale, the best [defenseman] in the world," Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen said after the game Wednesday. "I think we came together as a team. Just got to defend, that's what we have to focus on. The goals are going to come."
Makar was on a six-game point streak (four goals, five assists). His 13 goals are tied with Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres for second in the NHL at the position (Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks, 14), and he's fifth with 43 points. -- Aaron Vickers