Makar suspended 1 game for hit that injured Kraken's McCann
Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar will sit out one playoff game for his hit on Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.
McCann exited Game 4 and didn't return after Makar interfered with him.
Makar was initially assessed a five-minute major, but it was reduced to a two-minute minor for interference after review. McCann needed help leaving the ice.
Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol said postgame that McCann won't play in Game 5 and could be out longer. The bench boss described the hit as "really late (with) no puck in play" despite the officials contradicting him on the latter point.
Terse Kraken coach Dave Hakstol says leading scorer Jared McCann out for Game 5 Wednesday, perhaps Game 6. Coach saw a “late” hit well after the puck is out of play by Avs’ Cale Makar in 1st period.
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) April 25, 2023
Refs told him the ruling for 2:00 minor on Makar was puck was still in play pic.twitter.com/LfKhpXtQQa
"I didn't feel like I tried to finish him that hard. I feel like if I was in that scenario, they would've done the exact same thing," Makar said. "I'm not trying to hurt anybody. It's just unfortunate (and a) tough bounce there. They got the call right, and that's all you can ask for."
The Avalanche defenseman said he didn't know where the puck was and thought the Kraken's leading scorer during the regular season was heading to the corner to pursue it.
Cale Makar after Game 4:
— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) April 25, 2023
“It’s unfortunate, I never want to injure guys. Hopefully he’s alright.” #Avs pic.twitter.com/4eH1hZRfhv
McCann paced the Kraken with 40 goals and 70 points in 79 regular-season games. He's tallied one assist so far in the playoffs.
The Kraken won the contest 3-2 in overtime.