Deen’s Daily: Avs Fire Assistant Coach; Second Round in Full Swing — Road Teams Step Up

We heard from the Avalanche’s front office on Tuesday, which included an announcement that an assistant coach was fired. Also, the second round is in full swing.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 7.

Colorado Hockey Now

Chris MacFarland and Joe Sakic met with media on Tuesday to discuss the early playoff exit and the plan moving forward. Assistant coach Ray Bennett was let go, MacFarland announced before courting questions from media. Bennett has been an assistant for Jared Bednar since 2017 and ran the power play. Sakic made it clear that a new PP voice was needed after how things unfolded in the series against the Dallas Stars.

As for Bednar, he’s got full confidence from the front office. MacFarland will also remain at the helm as general manager. Given some of the comments on this website recently, I could see that many readers aren’t happy with my editorial about MacFarland’s job. And that’s fine. I presented an argument and stated why I think he should’ve been let go. You don’t need to agree with it, but please, be respectful. I love seeing passionate discussions in the comments, as long as they don’t cross a line with each other or with myself (or Colleen Flynn).

I’m not one to write hot takes just to get clicks and have never been that. In fact, many commenters throughout the season have been asking me to challenge the front office and head coach a bit more about their decisions. And here we are now … The first time I challenged something, I’m being told by some that they’re canceling their subscriptions and name-calling me on the way out. It is what it is.

I hope most of you stick around. MacFarland respectfully answered my questions today while knowing what I had written. He was fine with it. It doesn’t need to be an attack fest from Avs fans for questioning a massive decision the organization made in January.

It’s going to be a fun offseason for the Avs. They have some cap space, and they have certainty with Gabe Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. I’m excited to see what they choose to do.

Read More: 5 Takeaways: Sakic, MacFarland Discuss Disappointing End To Season

Stanley Cup Playoff Recap

Game 1 — Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers: I didn’t write a daily yesterday so I haven’t had a chance to recap this just yet. The Maple Leafs looked impressive coming out of the gate and did a good job of fighting back when Florida began to press. The Anthony Stolarz injury is unfortunate, as is the lack of discipline from the league for Sam Bennett. But, right now, it looks like Toronto isn’t going to go down easily to Florida like they did in 2023.

Game 1 — Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes: That was an insanely Hurricanes-y Game 1. Like, boring. Anyway, the Caps got out to a first-period 1-0 lead and held that until midway through the first period. Logan Stankoven tied it at 1-1 for the Canes before Jaccob Slavin scored early in overtime to steal Game 1 on the road.

Game 1 — Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers: The last two teams to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final opened their second series in three seasons with one heck of an entertaining battle. Vegas scored twice early but Edmonton, as it so often does, was carried by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to tie the game up at 2-2 by the time the third period was a minute old. In the end, the depth stepped up with two late third-period goals to give the Oilers a solid come-from-behind 4-2 victory on the road.

Tonight’s Schedule

• Game 2: Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs (5 pm MT on ESPN)
• Game 1: Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets (7:30 pm MT on ESPN)

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens will pick 11th in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Here are some names they can consider selecting in that spot.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Islanders are looking for a new GM, and someone in the Habs organization is on their list.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers are picking sixth in the draft. Is there a chance they could move up?

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders won the draft lottery on Monday! Suddenly, their GM job has become all the more enticing. And one of the names they should look into is Marc Bergevin.

San Jose Hockey Now: Is it time to name Macklin Celebrini captain?

Florida Hockey Now: Bennett said he wasn’t trying to hurt Stolarz, who was a beloved teammate of his last year.

Ottawa Hockey Now: For once, the Sens weren’t part of the draft lottery. Should they keep their first-round pick?