As noted before, the Avalanche apparently is sticking with general manager Joe Sakic and coach Jared Bednar in the wake of the worst regular-season performance (22-56-4) the NHL has seen since the expansion Atlanta Thrashers in 1999-2000.
Events of the last couple of weeks are reminders of how drastically that cuts against the NHL grain.
On Thursday, the Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Tim Murray and coach Dan Bylsma. In the wake of the moves, owner Terry Pegula — whose portfolio also includes the Buffalo Bills — appeared at a news conference for about 15 minutes to discuss the moves.