Avalanche's Bednar upset with 3 straight back-to-backs: 'I hate it'
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar isn't pleased with his team's schedule.
The Avs are set to play in three straight back-to-backs. In the second half of each back-to-back, Colorado will be at a severe disadvantage, facing an opponent coming off an off day.
"I hate it," Bednar said following Wednesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to The Athletic's Peter Baugh. "Every back-to-back, the team is waiting on us, resting. I find it odd that's the best schedule we can come up with."
Here's a look at the Avs' current schedule:
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Feb. 14 | vs. TB |
| Feb. 15 | @ MIN |
| Feb. 18 | @ STL |
| Feb. 19 | vs. EDM |
| Feb. 24 | @ WPG |
| Feb. 25 | vs. CGY |
Bednar is particularly irked that the second half of all three back-to-backs comes against a team the Avs are battling in the standings.
"I have no problem with playing back-to-backs," he said. "I don't like playing a rested team every time on a back-to-back, especially against three teams we're fighting with."
The defending Stanley Cup champions have been ravaged by injuries this season, yet they still sit third in the Central Division with 61 points. Their spot in the standings is far from firm, though. A regulation loss to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, coupled with a Calgary Flames win on Thursday, would push Colorado out of the playoffs.