Avalanche Coach Injured by Puck, Playoff Status Uncertain

Bednar suffers facial fractures, will miss remainder of regular season

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes that deconstruct a hockey game between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights, capturing the intensity and chaos of the sport.A fractured, cubist depiction of the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights battling on the ice, reflecting the uncertainty and challenges facing the Avalanche as they prepare for the playoffs without their injured head coach.Las Vegas Today

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar suffered facial injuries after being struck by a puck during an overtime game against the Vegas Golden Knights. While the team expects a full recovery without surgery, Bednar will miss the final regular-season games as he heals. Assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol will lead the team in Bednar's absence as they prepare for the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Avalanche have had an impressive season and clinched the top seed in the Western Conference, making Bednar's injury a significant setback as they prepare for the playoffs. The absence of their head coach during critical postseason games could impact the team's dynamics and decision-making on the ice.

The details

The incident occurred during overtime in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights, resulting in facial fractures and a corneal abrasion for Bednar. While the team expects a full recovery, the head coach will miss the final regular-season games to allow for healing.

  • The injury occurred during overtime in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on April 10, 2026.
  • Bednar is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season, which ends on April 15, 2026.

The players

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who suffered facial injuries after being struck by a puck during a game.

Nolan Pratt

An assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche, who will step in to lead the team in Bednar's absence.

Dave Hakstol

An assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche, who will also step in to lead the team in Bednar's absence.

Nathan MacKinnon

The star player for the Colorado Avalanche, who has led the NHL in goals and assists this season.

Vegas Golden Knights

The opposing team that the Colorado Avalanche were playing against when Bednar was injured.

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What they’re saying

“It's a scary moment when you see a puck flying towards the bench. It's a reminder of the dangers of the game, and we have to adapt quickly.”

— Nolan Pratt, Assistant Coach, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Avalanche will continue to prepare for the playoffs without Bednar on the bench, with assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol leading the team in his absence. The team is hopeful that Bednar will be able to return for the start of the playoffs.

The takeaway

Bednar's injury is a significant setback for the Avalanche as they head into the playoffs, but the team's strong roster and leadership from the assistant coaches will be crucial in navigating this challenge. The absence of their head coach during critical postseason games could impact the team's dynamics and decision-making, making their playoff run all the more intriguing to follow.