Friday Four: NHL's Best Defensive Approaches Against Cale Makar

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Post on May 04, 2025

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Friday Four: NHL's Best Defensive Approaches Against Cale Makar

Cale Makar. The name alone sends shivers down the spines of opposing coaches and goaltenders. The Colorado Avalanche superstar is arguably the NHL's most dynamic offensive defenseman, a force of nature capable of single-handedly changing the course of a game. But even the most electrifying players have weaknesses, and neutralizing Makar's offensive prowess requires a multifaceted, strategically sound defensive approach. This Friday, we break down four key strategies NHL teams have employed – with varying degrees of success – to contain the Avalanche's offensive dynamo.

1. Neutral Zone Pressure and Aggressive Forechecking: Makar's brilliance often stems from his ability to seamlessly transition from defense to offense. By applying relentless pressure in the neutral zone and utilizing aggressive forechecking, teams can disrupt his ability to smoothly exit the defensive zone with the puck. This prevents him from gaining speed and creating those devastating rush opportunities that are his trademark. Teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, known for their suffocating forecheck, have shown the effectiveness of this approach, forcing turnovers and limiting Makar's time and space.

2. Dedicated Shadowing and Limiting Time and Space: Simply put, you can't let Makar have time and space. Assigning a dedicated defensive forward – a skilled, fast, and defensively responsible player – to shadow Makar throughout the game is crucial. This "shadow" needs to be tenacious, mirroring Makar's movements, disrupting passing lanes, and preventing him from receiving clean passes. The key is to force him into uncomfortable situations and make him work for every inch of ice. This strategy requires exceptional discipline and stamina from the assigned player.

3. Box-Out and Deny the One-Timer: Makar's devastating one-timer from the point is a weapon of mass destruction. To mitigate this threat, teams must focus on effective box-outs. Defensemen need to physically battle for positioning in front of the net, ensuring they obstruct Makar's shooting lane and prevent him from getting a clean release. Furthermore, limiting high-percentage passing opportunities to Makar is paramount; smart positioning and active stickwork can significantly reduce the frequency of his dangerous one-timers.

4. Neutralizing the Power Play: Makar's offensive contributions are amplified on the power play. His ability to quarterback the power play from the point, unleashing blistering shots and creating scoring chances for his teammates, makes him a nearly unstoppable force with the man advantage. Teams need to focus on disciplined penalty killing, aggressively challenging passes, and disrupting Makar’s rhythm. Effective box-outs and aggressive net-front presence are vital to limit his shooting angles and effectiveness on the power play. Blocking shots and aggressively clearing rebounds are also crucial aspects of neutralizing Makar’s impact with the extra man.

Conclusion: Containing Cale Makar isn't about stopping him entirely; it's about limiting his impact. By combining these four defensive approaches – aggressive forechecking, dedicated shadowing, box-outs, and disciplined power-play defense – teams can significantly reduce Makar's effectiveness and increase their chances of success against the Colorado Avalanche. The key is consistency, discipline, and a willingness to execute these strategies with unwavering commitment. The battle against Makar is a constant chess match, and only the most strategically astute and physically tenacious teams can hope to emerge victorious.