Avalanche Hiring of Brett McLean Becomes Official. Can He Fix the Power Play?

Colorado Avalanche shake up their bench, appointing Brett McLean as the new assistant coach in charge of the power play. Can fresh coaching spark a turnaround for a unit that’s struggled to capitalize despite star power? Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson debate whether McLean can instill structure, unlock player potential, or if the Avs’ power play woes are deeper than tactics.

The hosts spotlight the Avalanche’s current power play stats, discuss how McLean’s tenure with the Vancouver Canucks could translate to Colorado, and explore line-up experimentation—including shifting Nathan MacKinnon’s positioning and rethinking net-front presence. With a clash against the Pittsburgh Penguins looming, they analyze key threats like Erik Karlsson and Sam Girard, question the reliability of Pittsburgh’s goaltending, and gather bold predictions from the Subtext crew. Will this coaching change finally unleash the Avalanche’s special teams and propel them past a familiar foe?