Colorado Avalanche fans breathed a collective sigh of relief as star defenseman Cale Makar returned to the ice after a lengthy injury absence, and he made his presence felt in a big way. In a wild and unpredictable Game 1 of their playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, Makar scored twice and helped the Avalanche outlast the Wild 9-6 in a thrilling contest. The Avalanche's high-powered offense was on full display, but it was Makar's timely goals that proved to be the difference-maker in a game that had a little bit of everything - including a hat-trick from Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek. As the series shifts to Denver for Game 2, the Avalanche will look to build on their momentum and take a commanding lead in the series.
Cale Makar returns from injury, scores twice as Avalanche outlast Wild 9-6 in wacky Game 1 Norwalk Hour
