Tortorella Backs Bednar After 4-Game Avalanche Sweep as Colorado Weighs Coach's Expiring Deal
Updated
Updated · Denver Sports · May 27
Tortorella Backs Bednar After 4-Game Avalanche Sweep as Colorado Weighs Coach's Expiring Deal
2 articles · Updated · Denver Sports · May 27
John Tortorella publicly defended Jared Bednar after Vegas completed a 4-game sweep of Colorado in the conference final, calling him "one hell of a coach" despite mounting pressure on the Avalanche bench.
Colorado's exit sharpened doubts because the Presidents' Trophy winner scored just 7 goals in 4 games, and Bednar enters the final season of his contract with no extension in place.
Bednar acknowledged the Avalanche "didn't find enough solutions" against a Vegas team he called a "well-oiled machine," while Colorado's captain said the club kept finding ways to lose.
Vegas' turnaround under Tortorella adds to the pressure: the Golden Knights are 18-4-1 since he took over and now sit four wins from the Stanley Cup.
For Colorado, the decision now is broader than one series: recent playoff losses to heavy, structured opponents have exposed a recurring formula against the Avalanche, making this offseason a likely extend-or-move-on moment.
Did Vegas's ruthless coaching change just seal Jared Bednar's fate in Colorado?
Is a 121-point season meaningless if your coach's system repeatedly fails in the playoffs?