Cale Makar, the maestro of the Colorado Avalanche’s blue line, has etched his name in NHL history once again, dazzling fans and leaving opponents in awe. In Saturday’s thrilling 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars, Makar orchestrated a symphony of assists, notching three in a single game, a feat that contributed to the Avalanche’s stunning comeback.
In just 254 career games, Makar has become the fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach 200 assists, breaking the previous record held by Quinn Hughes. This milestone is not an isolated triumph; it follows Makar’s pattern of rewriting the NHL record books. Just a month ago, he claimed the title of the fastest defenseman to reach 250 career points, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Avalanche is certainly one of the more powerful teams in the NHL right now. They are also very favored to win the Stanley Cup. For example, the Bovada sportsbook gives them the 3rd best odds to win at +900. That’s ahead of 29 other teams, following only the Vegas Golden Knights (+725) and the Boston Bruins (+800). There’s no doubt that Makar’s consistently better form and performance will keep pushing them closer to a better season overall.
His impact extends beyond the record-setting assists. His recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, amassing eight points in three games, with seven of those points coming from assists. This impressive run earned him the title of the NHL’s First Star of the Month (more on that later), a well-deserved recognition for his pivotal role in powering the Avalanche to a perfect week.
While the spotlight has recently been on the remarkable start to the season by Quinn Hughes, Makar has quietly emerged as a formidable force. With 24 points in 16 games, Makar not only leads the Avalanche in scoring but also positions himself as a strong contender for the Norris Trophy. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive prowess is a testament to his exceptional skill set.
What makes Makar’s achievements even more remarkable is the lingering question about his health. Having missed the start of training camp and exiting two games this season due to injury, Makar’s resilience and performance at less than 100% make his accomplishments even more awe-inspiring. Simply put, Makar is not just playing; he’s playing at a level that sets him apart.
Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now said that he’s not certain that Makar is not Superman in a recent post. As the Avalanche secured a three-goal comeback victory against the Stars, Makar’s impact reverberated not only through the record books but also across the league. The victory marked the sixth time in franchise history and the first since 2004 that Colorado earned a three-goal comeback win on the road.
Cale Makar has become a symbol of excellence and a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s setting records, leading the scoring charts, or earning prestigious accolades, Makar’s journey is one that shows no signs of slowing down.
NHL’s First Star of the Month
The Colorado Avalanche defenseman’s stellar performances over the past month have not only captivated fans but also earned him the prestigious title of the NHL’s First Star of the Month.
Makar’s November was nothing short of a virtuoso display on the ice. In three appearances, he orchestrated an impressive seven assists and tallied a total of eight points, including a crucial goal in the third period of a 5-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on November 13. His playmaking prowess reached its zenith in an 8-2 triumph against the Anaheim Ducks on November 15, where Makar recorded his 13th career three-assist and 23rd career three-point performance.
The crescendo of Makar’s month-long symphony was his role in the Avalanche’s 6-3 conquest of the Dallas Stars on November 18. By contributing three more assists in that game, Makar not only propelled his team to victory but also etched his name in the annals of NHL history. His 200th career assist came in a mere 254 games, making him the fastest defenseman to achieve this milestone, surpassing the previous record set by Quinn Hughes.
Beyond the individual accolades, Makar’s impact on the Avalanche’s success this season cannot be overstated. Leading the team in scoring with 24 points in 16 games, he has become the linchpin of Colorado’s offensive juggernaut. Makar’s ability to seamlessly transition between offensive flair and defensive responsibility has solidified his status as one of the league’s premier defensemen.
This has renewed our enthusiasm to keep a close eye on all that’s happening on the Avalanche front, and we’ll be following all updates. Having previously claimed the Calder Memorial Trophy during his rookie campaign (2019-20) and subsequently adding the James Norris Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and Stanley Cup to his résumé in 2021-22, Makar’s journey is one of continuous ascent. At just 25 years old, he stands as a multifaceted force on the ice, embodying the essence of a player who not only excels individually but elevates the collective performance of his team.
The Avalanche faithful can look to him as not just a star player but a guiding light, steering the team toward further success in a season that promises excitement, milestones, and, quite possibly, more well-deserved accolades for the indomitable Cale Makar.
We look forward to his journey and his next accolades. We strongly believe that more awards are coming his way in no time!
