Colorado Avalanche top D-man Cale Makar suspended 1 game for hit

Defenseman Cale Makar will miss Game 5 of the Colorado Avalanche's first-round playoff series on Wednesday after he was suspended for his hit on Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann while committing an interference penalty.

The hit occurred in the first period of Seattle's 3-2 overtime win that tied the series 2-2 on Monday.

Kraken coach Dave Hakstol, who described it as a «late hit,» said McCann would miss Game 5 at Ball Arena in Denver and could possibly miss more than just one game.

The Avalanche were on the power play when an error led to a turnover. McCann chased down the puck for a breakaway only to have his shot stopped by Avs goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, with the puck bouncing off Georgiev and appearing to go into the netting behind the goal.

While the puck was in the air, Makar gave McCann a light shove and then both skaters went off toward the corner. McCann appeared to have slowed down and was not looking when Makar delivered a shoulder-to-shoulder check. McCann banged into the glass.

He initially landed on his back before rolling over on his stomach. He tried getting up but remained on the ice while receiving medical attention from a member of the Kraken's athletic training staff. McCann then went to the locker room and did not return for the rest of the game.

Meanwhile, Makar was assessed a five-minute major penalty that was reduced to a two-minute minor for interference upon further review. But that also came with the possibility that Makar could face further punishment. A hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety was scheduled.

Makar said he didn't know if the puck was in or out of play. He said he knew McCann got the shot off and that he was going to the corner because the puck was coming down.

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