Cale Makar chases Joe Sakic Avalanche assist streak record
The Daily Goal Horn
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Cale Makar is looking to break a record for consecutive games with an assist when the Colorado Avalanche take on the New Jersey Devils. The NHL’s leading scorer among defenseman is chasing down a franchise record set by Joe Sakic, who is also the current GM of the team.
Colorado will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set Tuesday night, but with little travel in between. The Avalanche held on to beat the New York Islanders 5-4 on Monday in Elmont, N.Y., to end a brief two-game skid.
Cale Makar chases Joe Sakic assist record
Cale Makar recorded two goals plus a historic assist against the Islanders. He pushed his assists streak to 12 games, tying the franchise record set 30 years ago by Joe Sakic.
Colorado coach Jared Bednar said of MacKinnon and Makar, “I thought those guys led the way for sure. We were talking this morning about how Cale hadn’t scored in a while, but both of those guys, not just their shots, but just real good awareness. If they had a shot, they took it.
“They were dangerous on the interior of the ice, and if they didn’t like it, they were dishing it off to someone else who was putting themselves in a scoring position. … They were real dangerous tonight.”
Avalanche likely buyers at Trade Deadline
The Avalanche could be buyers but have very little salary-cap space, and a deal may not be necessary. Colorado leads the NHL in wins (41) and points (87) and possesses one of the most prolific offenses in the league. In addition, one of its most talented players is heating up at the right time.
Nathan MacKinnon has missed 15 games due to injury and health and safety protocol this season, but he has been on a tear since his latest return to action in mid-February. He has logged at least a point in his last 11 games (nine goals, five assists), including a goal and two assists in the latest victory against the Islanders.
Coming into play Monday, the Avalanche had lost back-to-back games for the first time since early November, but they still have not lost consecutive games in regulation since dropping three straight from Oct. 16-21.
Colorado has proven it is not a finesse team despite its speed and prolific goal-scoring. Forward Tyson Jost suffered a fracture jaw and broken teeth when he was hit with a shot Saturday as the Avalanche lost 4-3 in overtime to the Calgary Flames. He underwent dental surgery and made the flight to New York on Sunday.
Read More: Check out the latest NHL Trade Bait Tracker
–Field Level Media