The Colorado Avalanche battled all season long to try and put itself in the best position for success in the postseason, but the team's run in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs has come to an end.
The Avs dropped their Round 2 matchup 4-2 against the Vegas Golden Knights following a 6-3 loss in Game 6 at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday night.
"What's going through my head right now is just disappointment. You see the look on our guys' faces and how much they want it and how hard they care and how hard they are working and just to come up short, it just hurts," said head coach Jared Bednar. "Guys put a long year in of work and commitment and dedication to the team and you don't get to where you want to go, so it's disappointing.
"It is not easy to win, and we are learning that. It's just disappointing. Some guys have been working for it here for multiple years together and just trying to keep taking steps forward. You got to tip your hat to Vegas, it's a great hockey team and they played real well. They were consistent throughout the series in the way they played, and we just couldn't get the job done."
Avalanche's Hard-Fought Season Ends in Round 2
Colorado falls in second round against Vegas
© David Becker/NHLI