Limiting shots-against and improving offensive possession usually begins with an effective break out of the defensive zone. The Avalanche was poor in breaking the puck out under coach Patrick Roy but his successor, Jared Bednar, is confident that his systems will work.
Bednar, a journeyman minor-league defenseman, said he and former Avalanche defenseman Nolan Pratt will introduce ways to lower shots-against — which typically increases offensive possession. Pratt was hired in July, before Roy’s surprise resignation, from Bednar’s staff with the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League. Bednar and Pratt worked together the last four seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets’ affiliate.