Avalanche Keeping Cale Makar Out As A Precaution. Do Avs Ride the Goalie Tandem Throughout Playoffs?

The Locked On Avalanche podcast discusses the Colorado Avalanche's current roster health and strategic decisions heading into the playoffs. Cale Makar is resting due to a minor injury, with hosts Chris Maselli and Zach Pearson emphasizing that the team is in a strong position to prioritize long-term health over short-term urgency, given their dominant standing in the standings and guaranteed tiebreakers. They speculate that Makar and Nick Wabern may return for a few games before the postseason to regain rhythm, while also highlighting the opportunity for Sam Malinsky to step into a larger role on the top pairing and power play. The hosts also explore the possibility of continuing the goalie tandem of Scott Wedgwood and Mackenzie Blackwood through the playoffs, arguing that alternating based on performance—rather than a strict rotation—could provide a strategic advantage by keeping both goalies fresh during the grueling schedule. They praise the improved power play and penalty kill, particularly noting the impact of Nazem Kadri and Logan O'Connor’s return, while identifying underreactions to Malinsky’s breakout season and the broader team’s depth. The episode closes with a preview of the upcoming game against the Vancouver Canucks and a reminder of the team’s strong position in the standings.