Colorado Avalanche superstar defenceman Cale Makar did not play the final minutes of regulation or in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks, though he did remain on the bench.
Makar, who entered Saturday tied for the league lead in defenceman scoring, did not appear to suffer any injury during the game, but his offensive dominance was missing during the three-on-three overtime.
Following the game, head coach Jared Bednar told reporters that Makar was dealing with something and therefore was not available to finish the game.
The Avalanche went on to lose to the Ducks in the shootout.
Earlier in the season, and in similar fashion, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was sidelined for the final four minutes of regulation and the entirety of overtime when his team fell to the Winnipeg Jets in October. McDavid ended up missing a week with a lower-body injury.
The Avalanche (15-6-2) are fighting to maintain the top spot in the Central Division and an injury to their top blueliner could prove costly.
Makar, 25, has seven goals and 34 points in 23 games and is an early contender for the Norris Trophy, recognizing the NHL's top defenceman.
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