Cale Makar on Avs teammate Nathan MacKinnon: "Best player in the world"

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar praised teammate Nathan MacKinnon following Wednesday's game.

The Avalance faced their second consecutive defeat, falling 3-2 in overtime to the Winnipeg Jets. The Avs showcased an improved performance overall, committing fewer mistakes compared to their recent losses.

However, their defensive play appeared somewhat unstable, as both of the Jets' regulation goals stemmed from lapses in coverage in front of the net. Despite the loss, Cale Makar expressed strong admiration for Nathan MacKinnon, who scored a goal during the game.

MacKinnon has now accumulated seven points over the last five games, including four games. Makar acknowledged that MacKinnon is a key player who consistently finds ways to keep the team competitive.

"I mean, every single night. That's why he's the best player in the world and shows up every night and is able to contribute for our team. And finally, he's always find ways to always keep us in games," he said post-game.

Nathan MacKinnon leads the league in scoring with 75 points. He and the Colorado Avalanche will hope to bounce back when facing off the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Friday. The puck drops at 1 p.m. ET.

Cale Makar and the Avs lose back-to-back

On Wednesday, the Colorado Avalanche hosted the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena. The Avs fell 3-2 in overtime, losing the second consecutive game.

After a goalless first period, Nathan MacKinnon scored the opening goal at 6:09 of the second period. Just over four minutes later, Morgan Barron tied the game 1-1 for the Jets.

With less than two minutes remaining in the period, Gabriel Vilardi put the Jets ahead 2-1 before heading into the final period. Cale Makar forced overtime by tying the game 2-2 at 7:05 of the third period.

"We just had to be better defensively, moving our feet,” Cale Makar said post-game. “Felt at times tonight we were moving our feet and gave up a couple odd-man rushes and those ones hurt us.”

Neal Pionk emerged as the hero for the visitors, scoring the game-winner 17 seconds into the extra period. Josh Morrissey and Vladislav Namestnikov accumulated two points apiece, while netminder Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves for the Jets in the win.

The Jets improved their record to 32-14-3 atop the Central Division standings. They host the Utah Hockey Club at Canada Life Centre next on Friday. The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET.