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NHLFeature
We ran the numbers. Cale Makar is the NHL playoffs’ fastest defenseman
TL;DR
Cale Makar recorded a maximum speed of 23.92 mph in the NHL playoffs, the fastest ever for a defenseman since 2021-22. This speed is also the highest in the current playoffs, surpassing Erik Karlsson's 22.78 mph.
Key points
- Cale Makar reached 23.92 mph in the playoffs
- Fastest speed recorded by a defenseman since 2021-22
- Makar's speed is highest in this year's playoffs
- Erik Karlsson is the next fastest defenseman at 22.78 mph
- Noah Hanifin previously held the record at 23.66 mph
Cale MakarErik KarlssonNoah HanifinColorado Avalanche
In game two of the Colorado Avalanche's opening round series against the Los Angeles Kings on April 21, defenseman Cale Makar reached a maximum speed of 23.92 mph.
That speed is the fastest ever recorded by a defenseman in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the NHL started tracking the stat in the 2021-22 season. It’s also the fastest overall speed in this year’s playoffs, regardless of position.
Makar’s top speed is over 1 mph faster than this year’s next fastest defenseman of the playoffs, Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins (22.78 mph). Previously, the highest max speed mark for a defenseman in the playoffs was set last year by Noah Hanifin for the Vegas Golden Knights (23.66 mph).
The next fastest skater after Makar this year is Los Angeles’ Trevor Moore. The left winger has topped out at 23.48 mph this postseason.
Makar’s previous top speed in the playoffs was 23.28 mph, which he hit last year. During the 2021-22 regular season, he reached a max speed of 23.74 mph, which — until this April— was his highest ever recorded.
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Q&A
What is Cale Makar's top speed in the NHL playoffs?
Cale Makar reached a top speed of 23.92 mph in the NHL playoffs.
How does Cale Makar's speed compare to other defensemen in the playoffs?
Makar's speed of 23.92 mph is over 1 mph faster than the next fastest defenseman, Erik Karlsson, who reached 22.78 mph.
Who previously held the record for the fastest defenseman speed in the playoffs?
The previous record was held by Noah Hanifin, who reached 23.66 mph last year.
