Support for Sam Girard
In Denver, Colorado, head coach Jared Bednar has risen to support defenseman Sam Girard amidst growing criticism over his recent performance. The backlash for Girard intensified after he made a costly turnover that gifted San Jose Sharks forward Phillip Kurashev a breakaway opportunity, resulting in a goal that momentarily shifted the momentum of the match. Despite Girard’s error, the Avalanche secured a 4-2 victory over the Sharks at Ball Arena.
Bednar’s Defense
During a press conference post-game, Bednar addressed the harsh feedback directed at Girard, asserting that the player has been showing signs of improvement lately.
“I actually think his game has been turning around recently,”
Bednar remarked about the young defenseman. He continued his defense by explaining that the turnover was simply a misjudgment on Girard’s part.
“A good decision would have been just to punch it back down behind the net instead of trying to make something out of nothing.”
Game Highlights
In the third period, the Avalanche entered with a 2-0 lead and continued to dominate with a 31-13 shot advantage over San Jose. However, just 43 seconds into the final frame, Timothy Liljegren scored from the point with a shot that caught goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood off guard, narrowing the score to 2-1. Less than three minutes later, Girard turned over the puck, contributing to the Sharks’ equalizer. Bednar commented on the sequence, stating,
“They just got a quick one; they’re starting to want to pour it on, and then we make that mistake and next thing you know the game’s tied.”
Future Considerations
Ryan Lindgren had been brought in from the New York Rangers as a potential replacement for Girard, aiming to offer defensive stability at a more manageable cost. Yet, after playing 18 games with the Avalanche, Lindgren moved to the Seattle Kraken on a four-year contract worth $18 million. In the subsequent months, Colorado added veteran Brent Burns and extended Sam Malinski’s contract, which has led to Girard seeing reduced ice time compared to previous seasons.
Girard’s Background
Having been acquired from the Nashville Predators in the 2017 trade involving Matt Duchene, Girard is a crucial part of the team’s defense. The 27-year-old from Roberval, Quebec, has compiled 235 points over the course of 588 NHL games and remains under contract with Colorado until the end of the 2026-27 season. His recent struggles and Bednar’s defense may prompt the organization to reconsider their long-term faith in him, even as they acknowledge improvements in his game.
