Latest news with #JaredBednar
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Colorado looks ahead with Bednar after disappointing first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Colorado Avalanche exited the Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier than expected. They lost in the first round to the Dallas Stars after a hard-fought seven-game series. The team had finished third in the Central Division with a 49-29-4 record. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Despite adding key players midseason, including forwards and defensemen, the Avalanche couldn't convert talent into a playoff run. Colorado used 49 players during the regular season due to injuries and lineup changes. Their depth was tested, and it ultimately wasn't enough. Team Leadership Backs Bednar's Return Avalanche Eliminated From Stanley Cup Playoffs | Jared Bednar | Postgame Availability Jared Bednar has coached Colorado for nine seasons, under his leadership, the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022. Also reached the playoffs eight years in a row. He has built consistency and trust within the organization. After the recent elimination, management reaffirmed their full support. They believe Bednar remains the right person to guide the team forward. The front office is confident that this early exit is part of the game, not a coaching failure. Offseason Changes Begin Behind the Bench Head coach Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche (Credit: Getty Image) Although Bednar stays, not all coaches will return. The team relieved assistant coach Ray Bennett of his duties. Bennett oversaw the power play, which underperformed in the playoffs. Colorado converted just 13.6 percent of their chances, far below their regular season average. Management hopes a new voice can improve special teams performance. The coaching adjustment signals the organization's intent to reset, not rebuild. They are aiming to fine-tune rather than overhaul. Read more: Next Season Hinges on Roster Health Stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Gabriel Landeskog keep the team competitive. This will help the Avalanche still have a strong core. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Leadership is focused on reviewing cap space. Along with a review of free agency options, and filling key gaps. The window for a championship remains open. With a few smart moves and better health, Colorado expects to return stronger. Bednar's continuity provides stability, and the goal is clear; a deeper playoff run in 2025.
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Coach Jared Bednar receives vote of confidence after Avalanche ousted in early rounds again
Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] DENVER (AP) — Jared Bednar's job on the bench appears perfectly safe after the Colorado Avalanche were ousted in the early rounds yet again. General manager Chris MacFarland gave Bednar a vote of confidence Tuesday — '100% confident Jared's our head coach,' MacFarland exclaimed in a deconstruct-what-went-sideways news conference. This first-round playoff exit to Dallas, though, was particularly tough to swallow for MacFarland and team president/Hall of Famer Joe Sakic. Not just because former Avalanche forward turned Stars series saver Mikko Rantanen was the one to send them packing with a hat trick in Game 7. It was more because the front office firmly believed they had assembled a team that could win another Stanley Cup title, just like they did in 2022. 'This one stings. I'm not going to lie to you,' Sakic said. 'We knew we had the team to do it. We feel like this year's team was on that (2022) level. So that's why this one's going to sting. It's going to sting a little longer than other years. 'We'll regroup. Great players here, great character. They want to win and we're going to find a way next year to be in the situation again and try and compete for the Cup.' One change the Avalanche made in the aftermath of the Dallas loss was letting go of assistant coach Ray Bennett, who oversaw the power play. The Avalanche were 3 of 22 with the man advantage against the Stars. 'They (Stars) did everything they needed to be dangerous and scored (in) key moments of the game,' Sakic said. 'We just didn't have it at the right time. So at the end of the day, when you look at it all, that was the difference.' The Avalanche have been to the postseason eight straight years under Bednar, who's the winningest coach in franchise history. During that stretch, they've only made it past the second round when they won it all in 2022. 'I went through it as a player as well. Sometimes things just aren't going to go your way,' Sakic said of a series. 'We just missed on some opportunities and we didn't capitalize. But we'll get back at this again next year.' Sakic said he was involved in the deal that sent Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 24 that acquired Martin Necas and Jack Drury. Rantanen was then sent by Carolina to Dallas on March 7 at the trade deadline. Rantanen tormented the Avalanche in the series — five goals, seven assists — and will continue to do so for years to come after agreeing to a $96 million, eight-year contract. 'What's done is done. That happened. We move forward,' Sakic said. 'We were very confident with the group we have here. Listen, we had a really good team here. ... It was a lot deeper, a lot stronger than it was to start the year or Christmas time. We didn't get it done.' Through all the squandered third-period leads in the series, Colorado was still 6:14 away from advancing — before Rantanen tied it up. 'Everybody's frustrated,' Sakic said. 'Everybody's disappointed, just because we felt we were this close to moving on.' Now, some decisions. Forwards Jonathan Drouin, Joel Kiviranta, Jimmy Vesey and Brock Nelson along with defensemen Ryan Lindgren and Erik Johnson are set to be free agents. MacFarland isn't opposed to running it back, especially with a nucleus of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Devon Toews, along with the return of their captain, Gabriel Landeskog. Landeskog made it back for Game 3 after not playing in an NHL game for nearly three years. He's been sidelined by a chronically injured right knee since helping the Avalanche to the 2022 title. Showing no signs of rust, Landeskog had one goal and three assists over five playoff games. 'Listen, nobody knew if he would be able to come back, not even himself,' Sakic said. 'To come back the way he did, it was pretty inspiring.' ___ AP NHL playoffs: and
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Avalanche Defender New Coaching Candidate
When your team doesn't perform, firing the coach is typically the first move in a GM's arsenal. And the offseason is the next best time to fire off your underperforming coach into the sun. Luckily, the Colorado Avalanche have a Stanley Cup-winning coach at the helm. Jared Bednar isn't going anywhere, but someone who once played for the Avalanche (who now coaches) is on the move. Bookmark The Hockey News Colorado Avalanche team site so you never miss the latest news, game day coverage, and information on the Avalanche players. And they are a dark horse option for several head coach openings. Adam Foote served on Rick Tocchet's coaching staff with the Vancouver Canucks. He served in that position for two years and change. Why Avalanche's Blackwood Is One Of The Best They actually did it. Avalanche Must Now Overcome Their Own History Andy O'Brien On Nathan MacKinnon & The Energy That Goes Into Being Elite Ex-Avalanche Coach Offered New NHL Job Two Elite Avalanche Superstars Among Ted Lindsay Award finalists Avalanche's Makar Is Potential Witness In Hockey Canada Trial NHL Public Relations Releases Start Time for Game 6 The NHL has officially announced the start times for postseason games set to take place on May 1st. With Tocchet moving on from the Canucks, Foote's future is not being called into question. According to a Daily Faceoff report, Foote is being considered for multiple head coaching vacancies and is expected to interview for a few. Before then, Foote spent one year as the head coach of the WHL's Kelowna Rockets. He posted a 29-28-6 record that year in 2019-20. Foote had a long playing career as a hard-nosed defender. He spent the majority of his 20-year career with the Avalanche. He played nearly three years wit the Columbus Blue Jackets as well. He played 1154 games and recorded 1534 penalty minutes over his career. Foote won two Stanley Cups as a player. It's a long offseason but long-time Avalanche fans will be keeping their eyes and ears peeled on where Foote goes. Add us to your Google News favorites and never miss a story.
Mint
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Game 7 not a surprise for Avalanche, host Stars
It's been a back-and-forth series so far between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche. That's sent the first-round matchup to the limit, with each team looking to advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs when they square off in Game 7 in Dallas on Saturday. The Stars had a chance to close out the series with a win in Game 6 on Thursday in Denver, but the Avalanche benefited from a fluky own-goal by Dallas midway through the third period that stood as the game-winner in Colorado's 7-4 victory to tie the series 3-3. "I thought we competed to win tonight," Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said after the game. "That's what we did. Very similar to Game 4 in our building. Both were must-wins for me, and our team responded. Hopefully, we do it one more time." The Avalanche won the first game of the series before the Stars claimed the next two. Colorado tied it in Game 4 at home and Dallas went ahead 3-2 with a home triumph of its own in Game 5. "You're going to have to beat really good teams every single round," Colorado defenseman Cale Makar said. "Dallas is obviously incredibly stacked, and we knew that coming in. It wasn't going to be an easy series regardless of being up or down. I don't think there was a world where this wasn't going to seven." It had been a quiet series for Makar, with just two points, both assists, through the first five games. He surpassed that production in Game 6 alone, putting up a goal and two assists. "I just think he's been unlucky," Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon said. "Every night he's creating, he's dynamic. He's going to get real hot here, and it's nice that he scored there at the end. I know it's an empty-netter, but they feel good, puck went in the net for him." Like his former Avalanche teammate, Stars winger Mikko Rantanen had a slow start, with one assist through the first four games. He now leads the team with eight points (two goals, six assists) after a four-point effort (one goal, three assists) on Thursday. "It's two good teams, and personally, not surprised it's going to Game 7," Rantanen said. "It's two really good teams. It's good for the hockey world to see this series. Yeah, we've got to be reset now and get ready for Saturday." The Stars are once again looking to eliminate the Avalanche for a second straight season. Last spring, they dispatched their division foe in six games in the second round. Game 7s have been a mixed bag for the Stars since moving to Dallas in 1993, going 4-5 in the decisive contest. It's been a better fate more recently, though, as the Stars have won each of their past two and three of the past four, including a victory against the Avalanche in the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. "I think we should just pull from the past," goalie Jake Oettinger said. "For me, personally, I'm just going to try to have fun and have no regrets and play as well as I can and see what happens. That's all you can do and try to soak the moment in and have fun." First Published: 3 May 2025, 03:01 AM IST
Hamilton Spectator
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
This seems like the only fitting end for the Stars and Avalanche, a Game 7 in the NHL playoffs
DALLAS (AP) — Pete DeBoer has never lost a Game 7 as an NHL coach. Jared Bednar has never won one. They will be on opposite benches when the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche play what seems like the only fitting end for their first-round series in this year's NHL playoffs — a Game 7 on Saturday night. 'Honestly, Jared Bednar and I are not going to have a big impact on this game,' DeBoer said. 'The players are going to decide that. Both teams know each other. It's who goes out and executes and gets big games from the right guys.' Still, there are a lot of different records that align heavily toward the Stars, who will be at home for a Game 7 for the third season in a row. — DeBoer is 8-0 in Game 7s with four different teams, including each of the past two postseasons since getting to Dallas and reaching the Western Conference Final both times. No other coach has won more Game 7s, with Darryl Sutter 8-3 in them. — Bednar is 0-3 in Game 7s, all with the Avalanche, who have lost six in a row since 2002. He is also 0-3 overall in playoff series against DeBoer, including a seven-game loss in the second round to San Jose in 2019. — The Stars are 3-0 against Colorado in Game 7s, and reached the Stanley Cup Finals after each of those. The two teams went seven games in the Western Conference Final in both 1999 and 2000. Then in the second round of the pandemic-impacted 2020 playoffs inside the Canadian bubble, the deciding game was tied four times before then-Stars rookie and current Avalanche forward completed a hat trick with an overtime goal that gave Dallas a 5-4 win. This will be the 199th time a Game 7 has happened in the NHL playoffs, and the first this season. 'Personally not surprised it's going to Game 7,' said Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen , who has been traded twice since being with the Avs in the playoffs the past seven seasons, including their 2022 Stanley Cup title. 'It's two really good teams, and it's good for the hockey world to see this series.' Colorado avoided elimination with a 7-4 win in Game 6 , getting some fortunate and fluky bounces at home Thursday night. This is the fourth year in a row for Dallas to be in a Game 7, with Jake Oettinger in net for all of them. The 26-year-old goalie has a .956 save percentage (108 of 113) and 1.54 goals against average the previous three, with the only loss coming in a first-round series at top-seeded Calgary in 2022 when he had 64 saves before an overtime goal by the late Johnny Gaudreau. 'We've all been there before,' Oettinger said. 'We've won our last two Game 7s, we all know what we need to do to beat these guys.' Colorado goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is in his first playoff series , and has a .899 save percentage while allowing 16 goals, two fewer than Oettinger. Still, DeBoer was playing the underdog card soon after Game 6. 'No one gives us a chance to win this series and here we are, with one game at home to to advance,' DeBoer said. Bednar wasn't exactly buying it from a team that finished ahead of them in the Central Division and has home-ice advantage. The Stars are missing two key players in defenseman Miro Heiskanen and forward Jason Robertson, both sidelined with lower-body injuries. 'Hey, you build a narrative for your team to grab onto,' Bednar said. 'This is a deep team. But we have our own narrative, too. We feel like we're a team that can win, but you've got to go prove it.' Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars When/Where to Watch: Game 7, Saturday, 8 p.m. EDT (ABC) Series: Tied 3-3. Valeri Nichushkin was slamming his stick in frustration at practice before Game 6. His sticks received the message as the Russian forward scored two goals, and he wasn't the only player to break out of a scoring funk in that elimination game for the Avalanche. Defenseman Cale Makar had a goal and two assists, while Martin Necas added his first goal of the series. Brock Nelson had two assists. 'That's the theme of our team. You can't just … you can't go away,' Bednar said. 'You just have to keep chipping away and battling to get better. Keep grinding and finding ways to get those looks that you need.' Makar seems to raise his game when the stakes are high. He's got four goals and eight assists over 11 games when the Avalanche are facing elimination. 'He's going to get real hot here,' Bednar said. Rantanen and Roope Hintz led a four-goal burst by Dallas in the second period of Game 6. Rantanen (one goal, three assists) and Hintz (two goals, two assists) became the first set of teammates in league history to each notch four points in a playoff period. 'Those periods obviously happen pretty rarely, but (we) try to do it as often as we can,' Rantanen said. 'I think it was execution, and everybody wanted the puck, and we were just passing it around pretty well.' ___ AP Sports Writer Pat Graham in Denver contributed to this report. ___ AP NHL playoffs: and
