Colorado Avalanche fans are bracing for bad news as star defenseman Cale Makar has been ruled out for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Makar, a key contributor to the Avs' playoff success, has been dealing with a lower-body injury that has left his status uncertain for the crucial matchup against the Dallas Stars. His absence will undoubtedly impact the team's defensive strategy and could give the Stars a significant advantage in their bid to take the series lead. With Makar's status still up in the air, the Avalanche will have to rely on other players to fill the void and contain the Stars' potent offense.

Avs' Cale Makar sits out Game 1 of Western Conference finals  ESPN