John Leyba / The Denver Post)
CHICAGO — First-year Avalanche coach Jared Bednar envisioned a different Christmas, one that included celebration of becoming an NHL head coach. That still might take place around family in his newly purchased Denver-area home today, but the fact that he's the bench boss of the NHL's worst team inevitably suggests his future is in doubt.
The Avalanche is the laughingstock of the league, although Friday's 2-1 overtime win at Chicago was impressive. Fact remains, it has the fewest points, lowest scoring average and highest goals-against average, and on pace to finish with its fewest points in club history.