Avalanche Need Grit for Game 3 of Western Final

Carmen López · 2026-05-23

The Colorado Avalanche are heading into Game 3 of the Western Final with a clear message: it's time to get gritty. After splitting the first two games on the road, the team knows that the series is far from over. The phrase "put on our work boots" isn't just a cliche here—it's a mindset that could define the rest of their playoff run. ### Why Game 3 Matters So Much Game 3 is often the turning point in a best-of-seven series. For the Avalanche, playing at home in front of their fans gives them a massive boost. But momentum can shift fast in the playoffs. The team needs to tighten up defensively and get more pucks to the net. - **Home-ice advantage**: The altitude in Denver is real, and opposing teams often struggle to keep up. - **Physical play**: The Avalanche have to match the opponent's intensity, especially along the boards. - **Special teams**: Power plays and penalty kills could decide the game. Every opportunity matters. ### The "Work Boots" Mentality Head coach Jared Bednar has been stressing the importance of hard work over flashy plays. In the playoffs, skill alone isn't enough. You need players who are willing to block shots, take hits, and battle in the corners. This isn't about pretty goals—it's about grinding out a win. > "It's about doing the little things right," Bednar said after practice. "We can't rely on talent. We have to earn every inch." This quote captures the essence of what the team needs to do. The Avalanche have stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, but even they need to buy into the blue-collar approach. Every shift counts, and there's no room for complacency. ### Key Players to Watch Several players will be crucial in Game 3. Here's who to keep an eye on: - **Nathan MacKinnon**: He's the engine of the offense. When he's skating hard and creating chances, the whole team feeds off his energy. - **Cale Makar**: As a defenseman, he can change the game with his speed and vision. But he also needs to stay disciplined in his own zone. - **Darcy Kuemper**: The goaltender has been solid, but he'll need to make a few big saves to keep the team in it. ### What Needs to Change The Avalanche struggled with puck management in Game 2. Turnovers in the neutral zone led to odd-man rushes the other way. That has to stop. The team also needs to crash the net more. Goals in the playoffs aren't pretty—they come from rebounds, deflections, and traffic in front. - **Better puck support**: Players need to be within passing range and ready to receive. - **More shots**: Volume matters. Get pucks on net and look for second chances. - **Discipline**: Avoid taking bad penalties that give the opponent power plays. ### The Bottom Line Game 3 is a chance for the Avalanche to take control of the series. They've shown they can win on the road, but now they need to protect home ice. The "work boots" mentality isn't just a slogan—it's the only way to survive in the playoffs. If everyone buys in, Colorado has a real shot at moving one step closer to the Stanley Cup Final. Stay tuned for puck drop. This one's going to be a battle.