Avalanche Stumble in Game 1 Without Makar as Knights Take Early Lead
Colorado’s hopes of opening the series with a win were instantly dimmed when star defenseman Cale Makar was ruled out of Game 1 with an upper‑body injury. The Vegas Golden Knights seized the momentum early, striking first and extending their lead to 4‑2 by the end of the second period, while the Avalanche managed only a handful of shots on goal. A pivotal moment came midway through the middle frame when a contested penalty on forward Ross Colton sparked debate among fans and officials, adding tension to an already heated contest. Goalie Scott Wedgewood made a series of high‑danger saves, yet he could not stop a goal that he later described as one he would love to have back, underscoring the narrow margins of the game. Veteran defenseman Dylan Coghlan broke a personal drought, scoring his first goal since 2021 on a power‑play opportunity that briefly narrowed the gap. Coach Jared Bednar, after experimenting with line combinations in the third period, acknowledged the need for adjustments and emphasized the team’s resolve to rebound in the next outing.