Makar Scores to Reach Rare Milestone and Avalanche Beat Blue Jackets 7-3 to Secure Playoff Spot
DENVER – In a night that will go down in Avalanche history, Cale Makar etched his name deeper into the NHL record books, scoring a goal and adding three assists in a commanding 7-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The win not only secured a playoff spot for Colorado but also marked a historic personal achievement for one of the league’s most electrifying defensemen.
Makar’s second-period goal — a blistering wrist shot from the point that found its way through traffic — was his 100th career goal, making him only the seventh defenseman in NHL history to reach that mark before the age of 27. But more impressively, it came in just his 321st career game, placing him among the fastest to ever do it.
“This one means a lot,” Makar said postgame, grinning under a mop of wet hair. “Not because of the number, but because of what it represents — the work, the ups and downs, and the moments with these guys in the locker room. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
The Avalanche erupted offensively in front of a sold-out Ball Arena crowd that knew exactly what was on the line. Needing a win to officially punch their ticket to the playoffs, Colorado came out flying, scoring three goals in the first period and never looking back.
Mikko Rantanen led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Nathan MacKinnon added a goal and two helpers of his own. The top line was relentless, carving up the Blue Jackets’ defense with speed, precision passing, and relentless puck pursuit.
“It felt like one of those nights where everything was clicking,” said MacKinnon. “Everyone was dialed in, and when Cale got that goal, it kind of felt like the whole building lifted a little. He’s such a special player.”
Indeed, Makar’s milestone moment was met with a raucous standing ovation, with fans chanting his name as he skated by the bench, tapping gloves with teammates who knew the magnitude of the achievement. Head coach Jared Bednar took a moment in the postgame presser to reflect on what Makar has meant to this franchise.
“He’s changed the way we play,” Bednar said. “He’s the kind of defenseman who can take over a game in all three zones. Offensively, sure, he’s a juggernaut. But his defensive reads, his skating — he makes the game easier for everyone else. And when you see a guy hit 100 goals as a D-man that quickly, it tells you everything you need to know.”
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, were overwhelmed from the opening faceoff. Despite goals from Patrik Laine, Boone Jenner, and rookie Adam Fantilli, Columbus never found their rhythm. Goalie Daniil Tarasov was pulled midway through the second after allowing five goals on 22 shots.
“We just didn’t match their intensity,” Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent admitted. “They were faster, stronger on the puck, and obviously had more to play for. We didn’t execute, and against a team like Colorado, that’s going to cost you.”
The Avalanche improved to 48-24-7 with the win, solidifying their playoff position in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. It’s their seventh consecutive playoff appearance — a streak that coincides almost perfectly with Makar’s tenure on the roster.
And while Colorado eyes a deep postseason run, the night belonged to their No. 8. As reporters crowded around Makar’s locker, he deflected praise, instead focusing on the team’s performance.
“It’s always great to hit those personal marks, but this game was about making sure we’re in the dance,” he said. “The playoffs are a new season, and we’re ready to go.”
Makar now sits with 100 goals and 271 assists in his young career, averaging nearly a point per game — a staggering clip for a defenseman. Comparisons to legends like Paul Coffey and Bobby Orr have followed him since his Calder Trophy-winning rookie season, and on nights like this, those comparisons feel more earned than ever.
Still, Makar is known more for his humility than his accolades. Asked whether he thinks about legacy at this stage of his career, he shook his head.
“Not really. I just love the game,” he said. “As long as I get to go out there and compete with this group, that’s what matters most.”
The Avalanche finish the regular season with three games remaining, including a marquee matchup against the Dallas Stars — a potential preview of a second-round playoff clash. With the offense humming and Makar hitting peak form, Colorado appears poised for another deep playoff journey.
The last time Makar and the Avalanche entered the postseason with this kind of momentum, they hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2022. And if Friday night’s dismantling of the Blue Jackets is any indication, the Avs may be brewing something special again.
In the locker room, a bottle of champagne sat unopened in Makar’s stall — a gift from veteran Erik Johnson, who was seen hugging Makar tightly after the game.
“He’s a once-in-a-generation guy,” Johnson said. “You don’t see players like him come around very often. It’s an honor to play with him, and I hope fans understand they’re witnessing greatness in real time.”
If the fans didn’t already know, they certainly found out on this electric night in Denver — a night where the Avalanche punched their playoff ticket, and Cale Makar added another legendary chapter to his already unforgettable story.