What the Avalanche are up to while they await the second round
The Denver Post • • sports
Key Points:
- The Colorado Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and are currently awaiting their next opponent after the Minnesota Wild eliminated the Dallas Stars.
- The Avalanche have an extended break of up to eight or nine days before the next round begins, allowing players time to rest and recharge after a demanding post-Olympic schedule.
- Players are using the downtime to focus on family activities, such as attending kids' events and spending quality time at home, while some also engage in leisure activities like golfing and attending local games.
- Some players, including Nazem Kadri, are watching the Minnesota-Dallas series for scouting purposes, but coach Jared Bednar leaves it up to individual players how much they follow other playoff games.
- Family commitments sometimes limit players' ability to watch other NHL playoff games, as highlighted by Scarlett Wedgewood balancing time with his young daughters and his interest in the playoffs.
