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Avalanche power play finds success with small adjustments

The struggling special teams unit worked well on Friday. Will the Colorado Avalanche commit to the changes long-term?

By Aaron Poorman · Mile High Sticking

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 7:12 PM

Key Things to Know

The Colorado Avalanche's power play showed marked improvement following strategic tactical adjustments against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Colorado defeated the Penguins 5-2 after scoring five unanswered goals in Friday's comeback victory.
Nathan MacKinnon scored on the man advantage, while rookie T.J. Hughes netted just as a power play expired.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Colorado Avalanche saw their struggling power play improve during Friday's comeback victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. New assistant coach Brett McLean helped oversee the unit as Nathan MacKinnon and rookie T.J. Hughes each found the back of the net, helping Colorado overcome an early deficit to secure a 5-2 win.

Mile High Sticking writer Aaron Poorman argues that shifting Hughes from the high-slot bumper spot down to the net front was the primary adjustment driving the unit's success. Poorman credits head coach Jared Bednar for showing patience with the rookie and emphasizes that maintaining tactical unpredictability is vital to avoiding future special-teams slumps.

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Avalanche power play finds success with small adjustments

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