COLOMBUS, Ohio — Avalanche star Kale McCar faced the Columbus Blue jacket on Thursday night, becoming the ninth defensive in the NHL, with the Colorado first scoring 30 goals in the season.
The sixth-year player is the first NHL defender to reach the 30-goal mark as Washington Capitals’ Mike Greene was 31 years old from 2008-2009.
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Makar scored a power play goal with 38 seconds remaining in the second term, bringing the avalanche to 5-2. He was placed for a one-timer in the left circle by a pass from Nathan McKinnon. He also had two assists when the Avalanche won 7-3 and won eight consecutive playoff appearances.
Overall, the NHL Blue Liner has now scored 18 30 goals led by Bobby Orr, who has spent five 30 goals seasons. Paul Coffey (4) and Dennis Potvin (3) are the only others who have had multiple 30 goals seasons. The list is concluded by Ray Bourk, Kevin Hatcher, Phil Hausley and Doug Wilson.
With goals and two assists, 26-year-old Makar increased his points to 90, matching the defensive man’s franchise record he set last season. In doing so, he became the NHL’s fifth defenseman, creating a 90-point back-to-back season, the first since Coffey (1988-89-1990-91) and Al Macinnis (1989-90-1990-91).
This report uses information from the Associated Press.
