Avalanche Lean on the Group With Makar Out for Game 1

Colorado is preparing to survive the opening game without Cale Makar, which is about as subtle as a fire alarm in a quiet hallway. When a player that important sits, the burden does not disappear - it gets redistributed, and every defense pair suddenly matters a little more. The Avalanche are talking up a by-committee approach, which is coach-speak for everyone pitching in and nobody getting to coast.