Avalanche Blank Red Wings 4-0 Behind Makar
Colorado split Cale Makar from Devon Toews for a second straight game as the team routed Detroit.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Hockey
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-0, with Mackenzie Blackwood recording his first shutout of the season with 27 saves. Cale Makar scored a goal and added two assists, all on the power play, as coach Jared Bednar separated him from Devon Toews for the second consecutive game.
Why it matters
Bednar altered the top-four defensive pairings, saying it is time for a change for various reasons and that he wants Makar to take a more assertive role in driving the offense. The move reflects a shift in how the team's top defensemen are being deployed.
Three of Colorado's four goals came on 5-on-4 power plays, and Makar's goal was his first power-play marker of the season. Makar and Toews had been the Avalanche's best defensive pair statistically this season, and the source does not say how long the separation will last.
The players
Cale Makar
Cale Makar is a Colorado Avalanche defenseman known for his offensive skill and power-play production, and he is expected to sign a contract making well over $100 million over eight years.
Jared Bednar
Jared Bednar is the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who has led the team through multiple seasons and altered its defensive pairings in this game.
Mackenzie Blackwood
Mackenzie Blackwood is a goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche who recorded his first shutout of the season in this game.
The details
Makar scored one goal and recorded two assists, all three on the power play, while Blackwood made 27 saves for the shutout. Bednar said Toews has taken charge of driving the offense this year while Makar has stayed reserved, and he wants Makar to be more assertive.
Timeline
Friday, November 7, 2026: Avalanche defeat the Red Wings 4-0 with Makar and Toews split.
Tuesday: Avalanche play at Toronto at 5 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The Avalanche have built their defense around the Makar-Toews pairing, which had been statistically the team's best this season. Breaking it up for a second straight game signals a deliberate change in the team's top four as the season progresses.
Makar's three power-play points and the shift in pairings could affect fantasy lineups tracking his production. Fans following Makar's expected contract should watch how the team deploys him in the coming games.
The takeaway
Makar's power-play production and the change in pairings show how the Avalanche are adjusting their defense as the season progresses. Readers following the team should track whether the new pairings hold.
What happens next
The Avalanche play at Toronto on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Further reading
For more from the Avalanche's season, see our Hockey coverage.
