WATCH: Twitteratti fumes as NHL suspends Cale Makar for only 1-game after VICIOUS hit on Jared McCann

Cale Makar will be out of the series-deciding game following NHL’s 1-game suspension after a hit on Kraken’s forward Jared McCann.

WATCH: Twitteratti fumes as NHL suspends Cale Makar for only 1-game after VICIOUS hit on Jared McCann

Cale Makar

NHL suspends Avs defenceman Cale Makar following his illegal check on one of Kraken’s leading goal scorers Jared McCann in Game 4. According to the hearing, the Stanley Cup champion will be out of Game 5 scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

The decision by the league failed to satisfy the Kraken fans who are fuming over the incident. Some boldly stated that this decision showed the league’s favoritism considering the state McCann is in. According to reports, Kraken is not sure when their forward will return on ice, and may be out for the long term.

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With the series tied 1-1, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner will only remain as a spectator in Game 5 as the Avs take on Kraken for the deciding game. It’ll be a crucial win for the Avs if they plan to hold onto their crown, especially with Makar out of the scenario for now.

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Related: “It’s bulls**t,”  Marcus Foligno criticizes NHL officials as ‘arrogant’ following controversial calls in Game 4

Jared McCann helped to the locker room following hit by Cale Makar

Cale Makar hits Jared McCann [Image Credit: Fox 13 Seattle]
Cale Makar hits Jared McCann [Image Credit: Fox 13 Seattle]

Cale Makar stated that he didn’t mean to hurt anyone and hoped the forward to recover soon after their collision in Game 4. The controversial hit came on as Makar hit Jared McCann even though the forward was not in possession of the puck.

The league called the hit an improper “body check to a vulnerable player.” They further stated that the Avs defenceman finished his “hit well outside the allowable window to finish a check“. They also said that Makar’s actions weren’t reasonable as he saw McCann not in possession of the puck, yet “decides to deliver this hit.”

Avs head coach Jared Bednar stated that it was nothing but “Disappointing”. Avs are ready to move on from this incident as Game 5 lurks around the corner. This whole 2022-23 season the team had been infected with injured players and roster changes. 

Bednar further said that even though this turnout was not precedented, the team has to move forward and keep on pushing for contention in 2nd-round of the playoffs. The other players on the team will have to “step up and play well” to beat Kraken on Wednesday. 

McCann wasn’t prepared for the hit after his shot was saved by Avs goalie Alexander Georgiev. Following Makar’s debut in 2019, he has of being suspended or fined till Game 4, as per CBC. The defenceman stated that he wasn’t aware of the loose puck as he checked McCann into the boards.

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Makar said that it was an unfortunate accident and he didn’t mean to injure anyone. He wished McCann to be safe and be on the ice as soon as possible. He also said that he “didn’t feel like I tried to finish him that hard”, stating others would have made the same move in his position.

As of now, Makar has recorded 1 goal and 3 points in 4 games. He’s been averaging the ice for 25 minutes and played for 27 minutes on Monday night. The Avs and Kraken will ready themselves for their deciding faceoff during Game 5 on Wednesday.

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