"Our execution wasn't there": Cale Makar makes feelings known after Avs' 3-1 loss to last-placed Chicago Blackhawks

The Colorado Avalanche lost 3-1 to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday at United Center. This was Chicago’s second win against Colorado this season, following a 5-2 victory in October. Chicago’s disciplined play, strong defense, and timely goaltending were key to both wins. The Avalanche recorded 36 shots and Blackhawks recorded 20 with the Hawks doing better on faceoff.

Additionally, Connor Bedard extended his career-best point streak to eight games, scoring a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon ended his eight-game point streak. He is leading the league in points(66) and assists(52). The Avalanche failed to answer to Blackhawks despite having one of the best forwards and best defenseman.

Cale Makar expressed his thoughts about the loss, saying the team created chances but lacked sharp execution at critical times.

"I felt like we had a lot of chances tonight." Makar said, "Just seemed at times, our execution wasn't there, whether it was through just the neutral zone or D zone, and then also just letting them kind of get the line easy a couple times that resulted in the goals."

Cale Makar praised Trent Miner’s performance, saying it was disappointing they could only score once for him. Makar stressed the importance of not underestimating opponents, especially after losing twice to Chicago.

"I mean, we got to find ways to capitalize, and then we got to find ways to help [back there too. I thought he played incredible tonight, and it's unfortunate we can only put one on for him, because I think he deserved the win back there..." Makar said, "Just another step in the road and learning, learning from this."

"You got to get all these games. You can't take any team lightly. Obviously, Chicago beat us already this season, and it's just it's one of those games that we want to have, and really want to get that one from minds... but like I said, again, I think just goes back to our execution tonight at times."

Apart from Cale Makar, Avs HC Jared Bednar also talked about loss to Blackhawks

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar spoke after the game about the team’s missed chances and defensive mistakes. He noted they started well but failed to finish opportunities and made costly turnovers in the neutral zone.

"We didn't do a great job finishing on our chances, I think. But you look at that goal we turned the one and we turned it over in the neutral zone." Bednar said, "We had a couple five eyes from our forwards, so I don't like the way we handled it. Even after the turnover, if they're going to check some pucks back, we got to do a better job than that in defending it."

"You give them life, and they played better and better as the game went on. And then, they ended up getting the win on us."

Bednar said Trent Miner (17 saves, with a save percentage of .850) played well, making tough saves, but some goals were hard to stop.

"I thought he was okay." Bednar said about Miner.

The Blackhawks relied on steady defense and took advantage of Avalanche's mistakes. Although both teams struggled on the power play in their matchups, Chicago's strong overall play helped them win. Cale Makar and Avalanche will face Red Wings next on Friday.