Cale Makar declines penalty against Islanders Mathew Barzal stripping Avalanche of points, NHL Twitter reacts

Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar isn’t only the top defenceman in NHL, but also a person with a good personality. The League will not forget Monday night’s game where Makar showed an excellent sportsmanship attitude. When you are high up on the ladder, you often tend to forget basic courtesy. 

Makar proved us all wrong. His call out to the referee is something the league has not seen before. His unselfish act deprived his own team of a power-play point, which later the defenceman understood. Though at that moment, all he could think was to right the wrong.

During the game against New York Islanders, Makar slipped while sating around the net. The referee penalized Islanders Mathew Barzal who was on the Norris Trophy winner’s tail. Shortly after the referee signaled his call, Makar put up his hands to deny the penalty. He stated that it was his fault and not the forward’s. 

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Cale Makar’s chivalrous act gains social media attention

Sportsmanship held at the highest integrity is something fans and even coaches rarely see. Cale Makar’s display of fair and square brought fresh air to the arena. In the process, he cut off the power play point that the Avs could have gotten. His acts earned praise from both Avs and Islanders coaches.

Avs coach Jared Bednar stated, “It kind of shows you who Cale is”. “Typical Cale.” During a post-game interview, Barzal stated, “Obviously, good sportsmanship on his part”. “I don’t know if I would have done the same, to be honest with you.”

Makar realizing what he did, found himself in a difficult position for stripping their chance, “I don’t think he had a good angle on it, he just saw me fall”. “I would like to think most times I fall it’s usually because somebody trips me.” 

“That one I just lost an edge.” “I felt a lot more guilty about doing that than probably if I would’ve said nothing”. “I don’t know if it’s something I’ll do again.” The Avalanche won the game 1-0 in a shootout, but more than the win, Makar was praised throughout the night.

His act served as an exemplary role to young NHL aspirants. Makar upholding strong virtues is a 2-time All-Star winner, Norris Trophy, Calder Trophy, and a Stanley Cup Champion. He is considered the best defenceman in the National Hockey League and his records back the statement. Another player who comes to mind is Bobby Orr was also praised for his play and for upholding his excellent personality.

Islander’s head coach Lane Lambert stated, “(He’s) just an honest player who wants to beat you fair and square”. Inside Sports radio host Reid Wilkins spoke to Global News about Makar’s act, “I’ve never seen that before”. 

“I’m not just talking about a ref changing his mind on a call. I also mean a player convincing a ref to not give his team a power play. I wonder if Makar will be able to successfully talk his way out of the penalty box the next time he’s called for something.”

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