Cale Makar continues to make game-changing plays look effortless.
DENVER, CO- NOVEMBER 20: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar , left, drives the puck down the ice during the first period as the Colorado Avalanche take on the New York Rangers at Ball Aren in Denver, Colorado on November 20, 2025.
With the Avalanche trailing the New York Rangers 2-1 late in the second period on Thursday night at Ball Arena, Makar got a threaded pass from Martin Necas in the right faceoff circle. He had a clean look to shoot, but instead of firing, he deked New York goalie Igor Shesterkin, then zoomed around the back of the net for a wraparound goal. It was part of a three-point effort from Makar as he continues his torrid start to the 2025-26 season. The defenseman added an assist and an empty-netter late in the game to help seal Colorado’s 6-3 victory — and bolster his campaign for a second consecutive Norris Trophy. “This has been a good way to start the season, but I feel like I’ve still got more in the tank individually,” Makar said. “The good thing is, I think our team has a lot more in the tank, too.” Both of those sentiments are saying something, considering how Makar has taken his game to an even higher level this year as the Avs have just one regulation loss through their first 20 games. Coming into Thursday, Makar has put himself into the early conversation for the Hart Memorial Trophy alongside teammate Nathan MacKinnon. The latter also had a big night Thursday with two goals and an assist, passing Peter Stastny for the second-most points in franchise history.The 27-year-old finished sixth in the MVP voting last year and led all NHL defenseman with 28 points coming into the night before tacking on three more against New York. He’s finished in the top three of voting for the Norris each of the last five seasons, including his first time winning the award in 2021-22. “He has the ability to every night,” Avs head coach Jared Bednar said, “and this year it seems like he is.”Ross Colton, who had the Avs’ second empty-netter on Thursday with 13 seconds left, said Makar has been playing on a different level through the first fourth of the season. Including Thursday, Makar has had seven multi-point games, including a four-point game against New Jersey last month. On defense, Makar added a game-high four blocked shots against the Rangers, bringing his total to 36 on the year. Avalanche superstars Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar carry club past Rangers to keep red-hot start rolling Avalanche camp surprise Tristen Nielsen already checked off huge season goal, now wants to ‘get out of his head and play’Renck: Forget top defenseman, Avs star Cale Makar belongs in Hart Trophy conversation“He’s known for his point producing and his offensive side of the puck, but he’s still been doing a great job in the D-zone as well,” Colton said. “Him and are the best D-pairing in the league for a reason.” Thursday’s performance did include a brief injury scare for Makar. He came off the ice early in the third period during a power play that the Avs eventually scored on via Brock Nelson’s goal. Makar came back on the ice, then quickly went back to the bench. After the game, Makar insisted he is fine, and that he got a “charley horse” from getting hit where he didn’t have padding. Rather than linger on another dominant effort, Makar was still looking for things to critique in his game late Thursday night — even as it reaches levels few defensemen in the NHL could even dream of. “I have to be a little bit better with when and where I shoot, so I’ve got to take a look at that and find better spots,” said Makar, who has only had a negative plus/minus in three games this season. “… But since , I’ve gotten better at getting pucks through , and finding areas of the game to create a little chaos on the offensive end and specifically the power play.” Rep. Jason Crow, other Democrats push back as Trump accuses them of ‘seditious behavior’ punishable by deathRiNo apartment building asks judge to evict rooftop cocktail loungeDenver weather: Rain and snow finally on the way Thursday, FridayTrump's response to Rep. Crow's video was completely unhinged How Broncos DL John Franklin-Myers is mentoring rookie Sai'vion Jones: 'Go take my job'
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