In a moment that has reverberated throughout the NHL community, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar delivered a blunt and eye-opening message to not just his players, but the entire organization and fanbase. Following what should have been a celebratory 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers on January 14, 2025, Bednar instead used his postgame remarks to shine a spotlight on deep-seated issues he believes could derail the team’s long-term success.
“Just being honest—half our team didn’t show up tonight,” Bednar stated during the press conference, his tone calm but cutting. “We can’t keep leaning on goaltending and individual effort. This is the NHL. You don’t win cups with passengers.”
Bednar’s frustration seemed to center around more than just one game. While goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood stood tall between the pipes, making 27 critical saves and carrying the team through defensive breakdowns, the rest of the Avalanche lineup appeared inconsistent at best. For Bednar, the win was overshadowed by what he described as “a lack of hunger” and “a dangerous sense of complacency.”
The coach’s message wasn’t just aimed at the players on the ice. Bednar directed his remarks at team management and even the fanbase, stating that accountability must come from every level if the Avalanche are to remain contenders. “This isn’t just about what happens on the ice,” he said. “We have to be better across the board—from the front office, to the coaching staff, to the locker room. And yes, our fans deserve more than what we gave them tonight. They’re the backbone of this franchise, and we owe them effort every single night.”
Sources close to the organization say Bednar has voiced similar concerns internally over the past month, particularly in the wake of multiple games where Colorado scraped by with individual brilliance masking team-wide inconsistency. While the team has remained near the top of the Western Conference standings, Bednar’s comments suggest he is focused on building a sustainable, championship-caliber culture—not just chasing wins.
Fans have responded with a mix of shock and admiration. While some were surprised to hear such stark criticism after a victory, many applauded Bednar’s honesty and his refusal to let complacency settle in. Social media platforms lit up with support, with Avalanche faithful echoing the coach’s call for unity and accountability.
“This is why we believe in Bednar,” one fan tweeted. “He doesn’t settle for average. He wants greatness.”
As the Avalanche prepare for a tough stretch of games that could define their season, all eyes will be on the team’s response to their coach’s challenge. Will Bednar’s shocking message light the fire needed to restore consistency and urgency? Or will it expose deeper fissures within the locker room?
One thing is certain: Jared Bednar has made it clear that being “good enough” isn’t good enough for the Colorado Avalanche. Not anymore.
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