Golden Knights Sweep Over Avalanche Will Lead to Change in Colorado

The Vegas Golden Knights delivered a stunning four-game sweep of the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, advancing to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final and leaving the Presidents’ Trophy winners in complete shock. Despite praise from Vegas coach John Tortorella for Avs coach Jared Bednar and the rest of the roster, the loss is not going to sit well in Colorado. The team had much higher expectations, and while injuries played a role in the result, they were not the only reason the Avalanche struggled.

---

After dominating the regular season with a franchise-record points total and storming through the first two playoff rounds with eight wins in nine games, Colorado suffered a shocking collapse. “I think [the regular season] just feels like a waste, to be honest… We said in training camp, it’s Cup or bust for us, and regardless of where you fall short, you know, we fell super short of that goal,” said Avs Logan O’Connor.

Vegas completely neutralized Colorado’s high-powered offense. An early injury to Cale Makar didn’t help, but the supporting cast failed to rise to the occasion. Depth forwards Martin Necas and Brock Nelson were especially ineffective when the Avs needed them most. Nathan MacKinnon looked frustrated often, his body language beyond that of a player trying to will his team to a win. He was annoyed. And it was more than just his competitive spirit showing.

O’Connor admitted the team “drifted away from the game plan” and said, “I don’t think a single guy in this locker room played to the standards that we expect.” Makar added, “At the end of the day the regular season means nothing the second the playoffs start. The only thing a good regular season gets you is home ice, and we squandered that opportunity against this team.”

Now What In Colorado?

With the season ending in such a whimper, significant fallout is expected in Colorado this summer. Long-time head coach Jared Bednar is widely believed to be on the hot seat. Multiple sources suggest GM Joe Sakic and the front office may decide a coaching change is necessary after several years of big roster moves that have failed to produce another deep playoff run.

“We said at the beginning of the year (that) we’re judged by how we play in the playoffs,” Makar said. “Unfortunately, this year, we were able to take a step forward, but in a sense, a step back, too. It’s tough to process.” “You never know if you’re ever going to get the chance again,” Gabriel Landeskog said. “It’s hard making the playoffs, and it’s hard winning one round, and two rounds, let alone going all the way. You never know what the next opportunity is going to look like.” 

Former player Erik Johnson asked what their next move is. Noting their window is still open to win, but it’s closing and they’ve already played shake up the core with the Mikko Rantanen move. What else can they do? Is it the coach? “I think Jared Bednar is one of the best coaches in the NHL and gets scooped up in a second if he gets fired,” said Johnson. Mark Lazerus of The Athletic writes, “Does Colorado need the same kind of electric shock Vegas got when it replaced Bruce Cassidy with Tortorella with just eight games left in the regular season?”

Meanwhile, GM Chris MacFarland has been linked to other jobs around the NHL, specifically with a rumored interest in leaving for Nashville. Is he done with Colorado if he’s offered a bump with the Predators?

What players stay and which ones go? The team has very few pending UFAs, with Brett Kulak and Brent Burns being among the most notable. Is Burns thinking about retirement? Do the Avs need to move a few pieces or will they run it back with the same core that dominated, but then fell so flat against the Golden Knights?

Change is coming. To what degree remains to be seen.

Next: Canadian Daily Rumours: Senators, Maple Leafs & Flames Move Up?