Cale Makar suspended for Game 5 against Kraken

Colorado Avalance defenseman Cale Makar has been suspended for one game for his cynical foul on Jared McCann in Game 4 against the Kraken, which saw the Seattle player limp off the pitch with an injury, which will see him miss the next outing between the two teams.

The NHL Department of Player Safety held a hearing with Makar and have decided he will see out Game 5 of the playoffs. The action has been labelled as an“improper body check to a vulnerable player” by the Disciplinary Department.

“Makar finishes this hit well outside the allowable window to finish a check,” the league said. “In addition, it is clear that Makar knows McCann is not in possession of the puck when he decides to deliver this hit.”

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The suspension means Colorado will be without yet another key figure after Valeri Nikushkin dropped out for personal reasons.