The Colorado Avalanche are aiming to even their series against the Vegas Golden Knights after a Game 1 defeat.
The Avalanche, who won the Presidents’ Trophy for having the NHL’s best record, lost 16 of 82 games in regulation during the regular season.
They never lost more than two games in a row.
Bednar’s Confidence in Team’s Response
Colorado coach Jared Bednar isn’t planning any over-the-top reactions despite being down 1-0 in the best-of-7 Western Conference Final heading into Game 2.
“I know our team, and I know our goals, and I know the mindset of our group,” Bednar said. “So it’s not like I’m going in there and giving some speech that’s going to turn the series around. Or get it going in the right direction.”
The Vegas Golden Knights won 4-2 on Wednesday, taking home-ice advantage.
Colorado reviewed film and held an optional skate at their practice facility on Thursday.
Makar’s Uncertain Status
Cale Makar, who missed Game 1 with an undisclosed injury, participated in the skate.
Bednar said he had no update on Makar and that he remains day to day.
Makar is a finalist this season for Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman.
He has skated each of the past two days after missing three practices since the Avalanche eliminated the Minnesota Wild in a five-game second-round victory on May 13.
Accountability and Preparation
The film work and some hard conversations delivered the message the team needed to hear.
“It’s pretty pointed on what we need to do and what we think we can do,” Bednar said, “and like, to me, it’s like the motivation to play is there for all of our guys. It’s about us going and trying to be the best version of ourselves that we could be, because we weren’t last night.
“And we still had a chance in that hockey game, and we feel like we can be better than that and our guys understand it. Once they get a clear understanding, it’s about their individual preparation and preparation as a group to get ready to go better our performance from last night, which we’ll have to do.”
The veterans thrive on accountability.
“Well, I know there’s going to be a response,” forward Nazem Kadri said. “There’s no question about it. I think even in the last series, when we lost Game 3, we responded in Game 4 (with a 5-2 win).
Game 2 is scheduled for Friday.