“Fire Jared Bednar” fans start chanting for new coach for Colorado Avalanche
At the end of the 2021-2022 NHL season, the Colorado Avalanche secured their 3rd Stanley Cup title in franchise history, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. It was a magical moment for many Avs fans, coaches, and players who had witnessed the fall of the Avalanche team that won the 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup titles. We were there for the dismal 48-point season in Jared Bednar’s first year as Head Coach and stayed through that magical season and the title of 2021-2022 Stanley Cup Champions.
A year removed from that title, and after an 8-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues at Ball Arena on November 11th, the “boo-birds” came out to play. Frustrations abound from players and fans alike, many of those fans calling for the immediate firing of Jared Bednar, the winningest coach in franchise history, who secured his 300th win on November 13th in Seattle. I get it, it is extremely frustrating to see a team you expected to dominate have some very rough games. However, firing a coach who is currently 52nd all-time in career wins in NHL history seems a bit drastic. “You can lead your horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”, is the same philosophy as, “You can coach your team the style and method of play, but you can’t stop them from playing out of position.”
The Avs have had some terrible execution of the game plan, and it has led to some desperate play from players doing more than they should, causing some terrible losses. Jared Bednar was furious with the outcome last Saturday and was ready to work the entire team into the ground at Sunday’s practice, which led to some of the biggest crowds that have been present at a practice open to the public in some time. Bednar would eventually make the practice optional, leading to some speculation. It was a smart move though.
With the game this past Monday being on the road in Seattle, Bednar wanted the team to focus more on being prepared for that game over the physical execution on the ice during practice. I’m sure the video session was more of a grilling for the players and where most of the frustrations were taken out on the team. This is what makes Bednar a great coach. Knowing where to drop the hammer.
These NHL players are already elite athletes in their own right. Working them to the bone on the ice isn’t going to do much. Showing them on film what the issues are and putting them on the spot among their peers to explain what went wrong… that will make you feel downright terrible. Bednar has a system in place. Replacing him 14 games into the season with another coach who may have a completely different game plan in which none of our players fit into, would be a terrible move.
Denver is one of the major cities in which almost every professional team has won a championship title (looking at you Rockies). The fans are passionate about it, and after every title win, sales and revenue increase for that team with more “new” fans, and new to the sport individuals show up. Yes, losing is terrible. Losing in a blowout absolutely isn’t fun. Calling for a coach’s dismissal, especially with what he’s already created here, is a bit much. There’s only one open exit off the wagon, and it’s full of dust and dirt. Might want to hop off while it’s slow. This team will pick up speed and won’t bother to look back for the doubters.