Avalanche coach Jared Bednar made the contrast, and even when he’s right, he has to be kidding.

But hear him out.

1. The top defensive set for the Sharks: Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns.

2. The top defensive set for the Avalanche: Sam Girard and Cale Makar.

“If you look at the change in the next period … Makar and Girard, they just controlled the puck up top, they’re making smart plays and they get few plays to the net — good looks at the net. Theyrsquo;re pucks, using their toes and they’re challenging to check. It’s an element that we’re starting to grow as a team,” Bednar said the morning after their playoff series in Game 2 win. “It’s something, to be honest with you, that San Jose has in the other end with Karlsson and Burns. ”

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The Girard-Makar duo is a Colorado revelation. Sunday in San Jose marked their inaugural pairing together. 2 who represent the NHL’s transition to technically gifted and undersized, but elusive defensemen. Neither Girard or Makar exceeds 5-feet-10 or 190 pounds, but are reliable as Bednar’s anticipated starters Tuesday night in Game 3 in the Pepsi Center.

The Karlsson-Burns duo requires no NHL introduction. They combine for three James Norris Memorial Trophies, given annually to the league’s leading defender, in addition to 25 NHL seasons and more than 140 postseason games played. Burns’ seven points all skaters are led by this series. Just mentioning the Avalanche youngsters in the same breath as San Jose&rsquo.

Neither Girard or Makar seems fazed. Their play, in a small sample size, has far exceeded their age.

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“Cale is good on he and his toes ’s a good puck mover ” Girard said. “It’s easy for me to play with him. He’s pretty good defensively and we all know offensively that he’s definitely proficient. It’s great to be with him. … Yes, we’re 20, but I think we have a place here. We just have to play our game. ”

Added Makar: “When you have two guys that can move the puck quickly and guys that like to go up the ice quick, it’s really fun. ”

Colorado isn’t short on defensive depth, possibly, with Tyson Barrie notching three points (one goal) Saturday night whilst Ian Cole directed all Colorado defenseman in ice time. But there question the Sharks must account for the impressive potential of the Girard-Makar pairing. They re not Karlsson-Burns caliber — yet. Just one skate in the ideal direction.

“We wouldn’t be playing them along with the moments we’re playing if they didn’t deserve this,” Bednar said. “They’ve earned it. ”

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