Cale Makar had himself a round of hockey. The 23-year-old defenseman, who had three goals and seven assists in the sweep, put together the best round of hockey for a defenseman in NHL history.
Makar is also the first player in more than a decade to record 10 or more points in a round. He's already equaled his playoff point total from last season in six fewer games.
The kid is third all-time in playoff scoring for an 'Avs defenseman with 41. If he keeps up his current pace he will pass Sandis Ozolinsh's 65 points during the Cup Final. :)
Cale Makar has the most points through the first 4 playoff games by a defenseman in NHL history #FindAWay
— Avs Stats  (@avsstats) May 10, 2022
With 10 points in the @Avalanche's first round series against Nashville, Cale Makar became the first player since Johan Franzén in 2008—and the only defenseman in NHL history—to record at least 10 points in a playoff series lasting 4 games or fewer.#StanleyCup | #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/csUzALM4ir
— Hockey Reference (@hockey_ref) May 12, 2022
Makar was so dominant in the 'Avs sweep of the Preds that all Nashville's fans could do to voice their frustration was throw skittles at Colorado's ace defender. Seriously, fans were actually hucking Skittles on him after Colorado defeated Nashville in Game 4.
Somebody has to make the Predators another banner that simply says "Taste The Rainbow." Genious.
I digress.
Makar's phenomenal start to these playoffs continues what he started during the regular season. Makar was just named a finalist for the Norris Trophy - his second nomination in as many seasons. He completed the regular season with 28 goals which was the best among defensemen. Only 53 skaters scored more regular-season goals than Cale.
And he's not just a regular-season player. Makar has proven that he gets even better in the postseason. He averages 1.01 points per regular-season game in his career and 1.05 points per game in the playoffs.
It's not hyperbole to say that he may become one of the greatest offensive defensemen to ever play this game. Don't take my word for it.
Cale Makar is the best defensemen to ever play the game of hockey. If you don’t agree you are wrong.
— Beau Bennett (@BeauBennett19) May 10, 2022
Thanks for reading, Steve
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