Cale Makar broke in a new pair of skates Wednesday at an optional practice. Next up, breaking out of a scoring slump. Nothing has come easy for the standout Avalanche defenseman against the tenacious play of the Stars.

The Stars have a 4-1 scoring edge with Makar on the ice this series. “I’ve got to be a lot better,” he said Wednesday.

They need you, Cale. The Dallas Divers can spot a sucker in pinstripes from a mile away. Five games in, it’s looking like a split decision, and the Avalanche is trailing on the scorecards of all three judges.