VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Jared Bednar is closing in on history and closing with distinct flourishes.
The same coach who has used a power play unit featuring three defensemen this season chose to deploy five forwards for a 5-on-3 on Friday night — twice.
It worked both times.
It’s rare enough for any team to get multiple 5-on-3 chances in the same game. The Avalanche did in Vancouver — both lasting about 50 seconds — and they took advantage both times to account for half their goals in a 4-1 win.
The Avs’ four-game win streak has Bednar at 264 wins in his NHL career entering Saturday night, within one of matching Michel Bergeron for winningest coach in Avalanche/Nordiques franchise history.