The Colorado Avalanche are probably fist bumping each other following the news that John Tortorella will not be returning as the Vegas Golden Knights’ head coach in 2026-27.
Not only did the Golden Knights blank Colorado in the Western Conference Final—They also showed that just because you win the regular season, it doesn’t mean anything once the postseason begins. The Avalanche destroyed the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, while winning the series against the Wild in five games, their only loss being a shocking 5-1 result. The series aganist the Golden Knights made the Avalanche have to look in the mirror, though there was a bit of luck and unluckiness involved.
However, with a change at head coach for Vegas, the Avalanche have a chance to take revenge on Vegas in the 2026-27 season. The direction of the Golden Knights remains to be seen. But, if they end up hiring someone who can keep that ship going, the Avalanche will be ready in the postseason. I fully expect that. It’s not fun to get shutout by anyone, especially when the expectations are so high for you. It was humiliating. The Avalanche players and coaches feel the same way.
I understand that the Avalanche have to deal with their division foes first and foremost. They’ve got the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild to deal with. Maybe the Winnipeg Jets go back to their old self, before their underwhelming 2025-26 season. There is plenty of competition in the Central Division.
It is no secret that the Avalanche beat themselves against Vegas. They just need to figure out ways to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Most of the crew will be returning, and although the Avalanche have a new plan at the general manager spot, it should feel like hardly anything has changed. The Avalanche love Joe Sakic and have a lot of confidence in him. Can he bring in a player or two to help keep ahead of other teams in the Western Conference? Let’s hope.
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