Fractures and Abrasions sideline Avalanche Bench Boss
Jared Bednar, head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, has sustained multiple facial fractures and a corneal abrasion after being struck by a puck during Saturday night's game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The injury has ruled him out of accompanying the team on their upcoming two-game road trip to Alberta, effectively sidelining him until the start of the playoffs. Assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol will assume coaching duties in Bednar's absence.
The incident occurred in the third period of a 3-2 overtime loss at Ball Arena. Bednar was reportedly alert following the impact and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, including a CT scan. Medical assessments indicate that surgery is not immediately required, and a full recovery is anticipated.
Team Focus Shifts to Postseason Amidst Coaching Absence
With the Avalanche having already clinched the top overall seed in the league, boasting 115 points and a 52-16 record as of Sunday, the team's immediate on-ice performance is unlikely to be drastically altered. However, the absence of their head coach during the final stretch of the regular season and the lead-up to the playoffs introduces a notable disruption.
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The team's statement confirmed that Bednar will not travel to Edmonton and Calgary for Monday and Tuesday's games against the Oilers and Flames, respectively. The final home game is scheduled for Thursday against Seattle, with the playoffs commencing the following weekend. The club has not clarified if Bednar will rejoin the team at a later stage before the postseason. The Avalanche also sustained another blow with defenseman Josh Manson leaving Saturday's game due to an upper-body injury, the severity of which also remains undetermined.
