Stan Kroenke might own the Colorado Avalanche on paper, but in the postseason, it’s the Dallas Stars who hold the deed.
More specifically, Pete DeBoer does. Still. Despite all the trades, all the retooling, and all the roster moves, DeBoer remains the Avalanche’s playoff nemesis.
If this wasn’t the year to overcome him—when will it be?
Colorado held a 2-0 lead in the third period, poised to exorcise demons with a statement win while fans back home celebrated. But with about eight minutes left, DeBoer made a move—metaphorically flashing his ownership papers again—and just like that, the Stars turned the game around. Mikko Rantanen stirred briefly, but it was too late. The Avalanche got burned again.
This time was supposed to be different. They had Valeri Nichushkin for a full series. They had center depth, a gritty fourth line, two capable goalies, and the emotional lift of Gabriel Landeskog’s return.
Meanwhile, Dallas limped into the series, with Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson sidelined and a less-than-impressive April behind them.
And yet, Dallas still won.
Jared Bednar deserves credit for what he’s done with this franchise, but his 0-4 record against DeBoer in playoff series—0-2 in Game 7s—can’t be ignored. Colorado’s power play ranked third-worst in the first round, and they consistently fell apart in tight, late-game moments. Since their 2022 Cup win, the Avs are 2-7 in one-goal postseason games.
Nathan MacKinnon, clearly frustrated, summed it up after the latest collapse: “Make better adjustments… Bad adjustments.”
The Kroenkes have to ask themselves: Are they doing right by MacKinnon and Cale Makar by standing pat and watching DeBoer out-coach Bednar year after year? Or is it time for a new voice, a new plan?
Because betting on the Stars missing the playoffs again isn’t much of a strategy.
Dallas’ core is young and only getting better: Wyatt Johnston is 21, Lian Bichsel is 20, Thomas Harley is 23, and Jake Oettinger—the goalie who seemingly haunts the Avs—just turned 26.
If not now, when?
If a change is on the table, the answer might be just down the road. University of Denver head coach David Carle is one of the most respected young minds in hockey. DU alum Logan O’Connor raved about Carle’s adaptability and knack for player development, praising his ability to make subtle, effective in-game adjustments—something the Avs have sorely lacked.
Bednar’s record in playoff overtimes and one-goal games has taken a dive since the Cup run. Meanwhile, Colorado’s margin for error keeps shrinking. Cap space is about to get tight again with Landeskog’s return and Makar’s next big payday looming. The team has no first-round pick until 2027.
The Kroenkes have shown a willingness to make bold moves in other sports, even letting go of Michael Malone after a championship run. Could Bednar be next?
Bednar himself acknowledged the realities of the business: “Sometimes you have to make a change. And that’s the business.”
Colorado blew third-period leads three times in this series. Once is bad luck. Twice is unfortunate. Three times? That’s a coaching problem.
If not now, when?