Makar returns in Avalanche's win over Blues

Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar returned Saturday in a 4-1 victory against the St. Louis Blues.

Makar missed the previous four games due to a head injury. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jeff Carter hit him up high during a 2-1 overtime win over the Avalanche on Feb. 7.

The reigning Norris Trophy winner played 21:27 in the contest and had one shot on goal.

Makar briefly left the game in the third period after a collision with Blues forward Alexei Toropchenko. He returned later in the period.

In his first game back after suffering a concussion earlier this month, Cale Makar was forced off the ice following a collision with Alexei Toropchenko. pic.twitter.com/OBtXKBrfi3

- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 18, 2023

Colorado went 2-1-1 in Makar's absence. He missed four other games earlier in the season with a different ailment.

The Avalanche have been decimated by injuries this season but are getting healthier. Top-line forward Valeri Nichushkin and defenseman Bo Byram also returned to the lineup recently after missing time.

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