Bednar Signals Approach Change After Avalanche Road Loss

The Colorado Avalanche look to break a troubling road trend when they host the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. After a 7-2 loss in Columbus, coach Jared Bednar signals a change in approach, while Nashville aims to exploit a Colorado weakness on the road.

There’s a familiar feeling hanging over the Colorado Avalanche as they prepare for a Thursday night showdown against the Nashville Predators. It’s the feeling of a team that can’t quite solve the riddle of playing away from Ball Arena. CBS Sports reported that Colorado was absolutely blown out by the Columbus Blue Jackets, 7-2, on Tuesday night. This wasn’t just a bad game; it was a continuation of a deeply concerning pattern. It marked the Avalanche’s fourth loss in their last five road games, a stretch of play that has put their high preseason expectations under serious strain.

For a franchise built on consistent excellence, this road skid is more than just a statistical slump; it’s a structural problem. The numbers are stark and unforgiving. Colorado is a dominant force at home, boasting a 6-1-1 record in Denver. But the moment they step on another team’s ice, the script flips. This home-road divergence isn’t a new phenomenon in the NHL, but for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, it’s a glaring vulnerability that opponents are eager to exploit.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar on adjusting approach, facing Predators

Bednar Admits Approach Needs to Change

After the Columbus debacle, the mild-mannered Avalanche coach, Jared Bednar, did something uncharacteristic. He publicly admitted his approach needed to change. It’s a fifth of the way through the season now, so I’ve got to change my approach to what’s going on, Bednar said. He spoke of needing to be patient, but also of the team’s frustrating inconsistency. We’ve talked about a lot of things, then we show some promise and play some good games. That’s the thing—it’s hot and cold, hot and cold, so it’s about consistency. Now I have to change my approach about the way I handle the inconsistencies in our game.

This admission is significant. The stakes are high. The Avalanche’s offense, led by the ever-reliable Nathan MacKinnon, is one of the league’s best. They are tied with Edmonton for most goals per game at 4.13, and MacKinnon himself is producing at a torrid pace with 27 points. But firepower alone is not enough to win on the road. The Avalanche’s immediate challenge is to translate their potent home-ice offense into a formula for success away from Denver, starting Thursday night against Nashville.

Colorado avalanche head coach jared bednar in the first period of an nhl hockey game sunday march in denver photodavid zalubo

Brunette Says Predators Are Building

While Colorado searches for answers, the Nashville Predators are finding their footing. After a grueling 2-3-4 stretch against a tough slate of opponents, Nashville has won two games in a row. Coach Andrew Brunette sees this as a sign of progress, even if it comes with a touch of regret. I think we’re building, Brunette said after a 4-1 win over Carolina. We still feel we left some points on the table. We had a really hard start. I think it’s been good for us. It’s forced us to compete at a certain level and take care of the puck.

This hard-earned consistency is embodied by Nashville’s star forward, Filip Forsberg. He comes into Thursday night with a five-game point streak that, remarkably, began with a goal and two assists in Nashville’s dominant 6-2 win over Colorado on October 25th. During this streak, Forsberg has been a force, racking up four goals and seven assists to lead the Predators in scoring with 19 points. His success against his former division rival adds a personal and narrative layer to the matchup.

DNVR AVALANCHE WATCHALONG | Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators

And there’s another subplot to this story: a homecoming. The game marks the return of center Ryan O’Reilly to Denver. Drafted by Colorado in 2009, O’Reilly spent six seasons with the Avalanche before moving on. Now, he’ll be back on the opposing bench, a familiar face in a familiar setting, adding a touch of personal history to a game already full of professional stakes.

“The pucks are going in,” said Nashville forward Adam Edstrom. “It’s been great playing with Ross and Jack. They’re two great hockey players. I think every game we’re out there creating chances.”

The Predators’ recent success has been fueled in part by a line that features two recent Avalanche centers: Ross Colton and Jack Drury. Both were traded to Nashville in separate deals over the summer, and they have adjusted well. Colton and Drury have been playing on a line with Edstrom, who scored his career-high sixth goal of the season against the Hurricanes.

Coach Bednar Calls Out Avalanche Defense After 7-2 Loss | ML&K React

Game Represents a Critical Juncture

For both teams, this game represents a critical juncture. The Predators play six of their next seven games on the road, making a statement win in Denver all the more important for their confidence and playoff positioning.

The answer will unfold on the ice Thursday night, a pivotal moment that could define the early trajectory for both franchises.

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