How Much Playoff Hockey Are the Avalanche Watching?

Key Points:

• The Colorado Avalanche, having swept the Los Angeles Kings and advanced to the second round, are watching other playoff games extensively during their break, though some players, like Nazem Kadri, admit they are starting to tire of it.
• Players watch other games to study opponents and game situations, helping them mentally prepare and react instinctively in future matchups; Kadri emphasizes putting himself in players' positions to learn from their decisions.
• Avalanche players also follow games involving their former teams and teammates, such as Martin Necas watching the Carolina Hurricanes and Artturi Lehkonen tuning into Montreal Canadiens games, highlighting personal connections.
• The Avalanche benefit from a longer rest period compared to potential second-round opponents Dallas Stars or Minnesota Wild, who face a decisive Game 6 and possibly Game 7, which could leave them more fatigued.
• Head coach Jared Bednar respects individual preferences regarding watching other games, stating that as long as players perform well, how they prepare—whether through watching games or not—is up to them.