Did Avalanche coach Jared Bednar subtly call out Cale Makar after Game 2 loss?

The Colorado Avalanche entered the Western Conference Final with a ton of confidence and only a single defeat in the postseason — but after back-to-back home losses to the Vegas Golden Knights, things are dire in the Mile High City.

The Avs are nearing must-win territory, facing an 0-2 hole with an absolutely critical Game 3 looming at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday. Colorado hasn’t been the same team without Norris Trophy finalist Cale Makar, who missed both of the first two games.

Frustrations are clearly evident, and head coach Jared Bednar raised some eyebrows with his latest comments regarding the superstar defenseman.

“He’s dealing with an injury, obviously, and he’s been in the gym strengthening and testing it on the ice,” the bench boss told reporters on Saturday, per NHL.com’s Shawn P. Roarke.

“Cale is the only person that knows when he’s good enough to play, that’s why it’s his decision. We know what the injury is, we know what he’s dealing with, we know that we’re going to expect him back at some point, but you’ve got to get to a level of being comfortable with what you’re dealing with and the pain tolerance and depending on what he’s dealing with, he will tell us when he’s ready to play, so it’s just really as simple as that.”

While social media was divided over Bednar’s comments, it’s clear the head coach wants one of his most important players in the lineup at the most important time of the year.

Makar was injured in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild in Round 2, and although he’s been on the ice, he’s missed the first two Stanley Cup Playoff contests of his career.

It’s easy to wonder if the Avalanche can win this series without him, especially considering the uphill challenge they now face after losing both games at Ball Arena.

Since 1982, road teams that have built a 2-0 lead in the conference finals have a perfect 13-0 series record. The situation has become bleak, and winning Game 3 in Las Vegas on Sunday is crucial.

As usual, Makar’s status for that tilt will be the No. 1 storyline for the NHL’s best regular season club.

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