Nathan MacKinnon and Jared Bednar are in the news again because the Colorado star was seen doing what he usually does. A video that went viral showed MacKinnon going through a special underwater workout during the playoffs, using fins, goggles, and exercises in a hotel pool in Minnesota.
To anyone watching from outside, it looked strange. But for those in Colorado, it was just another day with a player known for always pushing himself.
Bednar’s response said a lot. He started with a joke about spies in the hotel, but then he got serious and talked about MacKinnon’s focus and his drive to find any advantage he can.
That’s what’s important. This wasn’t just a coach trying to downplay a weird video. He was basically saying this is the way MacKinnon is all the time.
Bednar remarked that MacKinnon explores every option, and this statement resonates because it aligns with what everyone around the Avalanche expects from him.
MacKinnon is not just working hard for a moment that will get a lot of attention. He is looking for anything that can improve his recovery, awareness, preparation, and how ready he is when the game starts.
Jared Bednar shared his thoughts after the video of Nathan MacKinnon sparked excitement among NHL fans. That’s why the video is important beyond just what we see. It reflects the culture in Colorado, where the top player still acts like he’s fighting for his place instead of just protecting what he has.
Bednar made his point when he explained that players in the room are focused on improving, but MacKinnon is one of those leading the way.
“It’s a way of thinking, isn’t it? ” Bednar commented. “Nate is kind of at the forefront of this, and I know there are other players who also take the lead in the same way. They’re always discussing what athletes in our sport are doing to improve, as well as what athletes in other sports are doing to get better. ”
The results prove everything. MacKinnon scored 127 points in the regular season, won the Rocket Richard Trophy, and is guiding Colorado through another intense playoff journey.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Avalanche’s performance is very revealing. They ranked first in goals scored with an average of 3.63 per game and also first in goals allowed, only 2.40 per game, showing that success isn’t just about skill. It also involves speed, organization, and routines.
This kind of balance often begins with the team’s culture, and that culture is usually set by the star players. When MacKinnon puts in this effort, both the younger players and the older ones see what high standards look like.
This is also why Bednar didn’t seem surprised by the workout. He sounded entertained, as it was just another sign of a player who constantly finds fresh ways to stay ahead.
So the popular pool video wasn’t really about the flippers or the exercises. It was about Nathan MacKinnon demonstrating once more why Colorado really looks up to him.
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