Avalanche Locker Room: Makar on Record Breaking Overtime Winner

Cale Makar sure does love sending Colorado Avalanche fans home happy.

The reigning Norris Trophy winner scored his fifth overtime winning goal on Saturday night, breaking the franchise record for overtime goals by a defenseman. The record was previously held by Tyson Barrie.

In typical Makar fashion, he was humble about it, as he went over what he saw in the extra period to the media. He also discussed why the penalty kill is working so well, and the Avalanche holding the Coyotes to zero shots in the third period.

In addition, read what Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar had to say after the big overtime win.

Bednar on what changed for his team after the first period:

We started checking, doing things right. First period, we did not. We created some scoring chances off the rush and in-zone in the first, but the checking part of our game to start tonight was terrible. Again. Buy-in, commitment to play the right way, and everything turned for us.

Bednar on how his team responded after talking to the team in the first intermission:

I thought we were outstanding, second and third. First period, it seemed like every rush attack they got, they got a scoring chance. For the final 40 minutes, the five-on-five game, especially in the third period, was outstanding.

Bednar on holding the Coyotes to zero shots in the third:

I just thought we competed really hard to get back above pucks, ‘D’ pinching, guys reloading, turning pucks back on them in the neutral zone. Managing the puck pretty well. We didn’t turn it over to create scoring chances against. For the bulk of the period, almost all the period, it was just smart, hard-working hockey and playing to our identity. It looked like we got stronger as the game went on because we’re doing things right. It’s an easier game. You’re playing with the puck the whole time.

Bednar on if he realized the Coyotes didn’t have a shot in the third:

No, I just like the flow of the game. You’re aware you’re doing things right. You’re not giving up anything dangerous, that’s for sure. I kind of liked what we’re doing at the other end, because that’s where it all starts. Defending starts in the offensive zone.

Bednar on the line of Lehkonen, Compher, and Nichushkin:

Basically checked the final 40 minutes against the Keller line. That’s their most dangerous guys. You know, that line with Hayden, is a lot to handle, and Compher’s line did a heck of a job through (the last) 40 minutes against those guys.

Bednar on the heavy game that Eller played against the Coyotes:

That’s part of his DNA. He’s a big, strong guy and you know, can play that muck and grind style of game. He’s a good checker in that style of game. He’s able to hang onto pucks. His identity of his game kind of fits with Cogliano and O’Connor, and you know that’s the type of game they play. The scoring chances they create aren’t going to be cute, but they’re going to be hard-working scoring chances.