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

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Post on May 04, 2025

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

Cale Makar. The name alone evokes images of breathtaking speed, pinpoint passes, and highlight-reel goals. The Colorado Avalanche superstar is arguably the NHL's most dynamic offensive defenseman, a force of nature capable of single-handedly tilting the ice. But even the most electrifying players have weaknesses, and neutralizing Makar's offensive prowess requires a meticulously crafted defensive strategy. This Friday, we break down four NHL teams who have shown the most effective approaches to limiting Makar's impact.

1. The Carolina Hurricanes: Stifling with Structure and Speed

The Hurricanes' success against Makar stems from their commitment to a structured, suffocating defensive system. They excel at clogging the neutral zone, limiting Makar's time and space to unleash his transition game. Their relentless forechecking forces turnovers, preventing the Avalanche from establishing their preferred cycle game. Furthermore, Carolina's speed allows them to match Makar's pace, preventing him from using his skating ability to create separation. Their defensive pairings, known for their physicality and positional awareness, consistently disrupt Makar's attempts to walk the puck into the offensive zone. Key takeaway: Disciplined neutral zone play and matching speed are crucial.

2. The New York Rangers: Neutralizing with Physicality and Forechecking

Unlike Carolina's focus on structured defense, the Rangers utilize a more aggressive approach, employing physicality to disrupt Makar's rhythm. Their forecheck is relentless, preventing him from smoothly transitioning the puck out of his own zone. The Rangers’ defensemen aren't afraid to engage physically, using smart hits to slow him down and prevent him from gaining momentum. This physicality, combined with strong defensive positioning, forces Makar into rushed decisions and less-than-ideal passing lanes. Key takeaway: Physicality and a relentless forecheck can significantly disrupt Makar's offensive flow.

3. The St. Louis Blues: Strategic Defensive Assignments and Gap Control

The Blues' approach highlights the importance of smart defensive assignments and gap control. They consistently assign a specific defender to shadow Makar, limiting his ability to receive passes and dictate play. This dedicated defensive attention forces Makar to work harder for every inch of ice and limits his ability to create offensive opportunities. Their focus on gap control prevents him from gaining entry into the offensive zone with ease. Key takeaway: Dedicated defensive assignments and maintaining gap control are vital in limiting Makar's impact.

4. The Vegas Golden Knights: A Multifaceted Approach

Vegas demonstrates a more multifaceted approach, combining elements of all the previous strategies. They utilize a structured defensive system, employ physicality when necessary, and maintain tight gap control. Their defensive depth and versatile players allow them to adapt their defensive scheme depending on Makar's positioning and the game situation. This adaptability makes them exceptionally difficult to play against. Key takeaway: A flexible and adaptable defensive strategy is highly effective against a player like Makar.

Conclusion:

While completely shutting down Cale Makar is a near-impossible task, these four teams demonstrate that a well-executed defensive strategy, combined with discipline, speed, physicality, and adaptability, can significantly limit his effectiveness. Their success provides valuable insights for other NHL teams looking to find ways to contain one of the league's most formidable offensive talents. The key takeaway for all teams facing Makar? Preparation and a multifaceted approach are paramount.