If first-year coach Jared Bednar knew what he was stepping into, he may not have taken the job in the Mile High City.

The Colorado Avalanche, long out of the playoff race, will soon extend their postseason drought to three years, a sad mark for a once-proud franchise that has just a single playoff appearance in the last six seasons and no series wins since 2008.

In a way, it's familiar territory for the Avalanche, whose previous low mark came in the 2010-11 season, when they finished with 68 points and used the second overall pick to draft captain Gabriel Landeskog.

Six years later, more poor performances have led to talk of change in Colorado, and Bednar may not be the only name on the chopping block come season's end.

The Avalanche have been on the bottom rung for most of the season, with 43 points in 75 games, their worst year since arriving in Denver in 1995. That sort of season gives the bottom team the best odds to win the draft lottery.

The problem comes into play with projected top pick Nolan Patrick, a talented center but no solution for a Colorado squad deep in offense but in need of shoring up its own end of the ice.

ISS Top 30 Ranked Prospects - March 2017

For the Avalanche to improve, changes must come from within. Looking north to Edmonton should offer guidance for the floundering club.

Last offseason, the Oilers paid the price by dealing first overall pick Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils, returning top defenseman Adam Larsson. He's stepped in to stabilize the blue line in Edmonton, where the Oilers are now poised to make make their first playoff trip since 2006.

In Colorado, the piece on the outs could be center Matt Duchene.

The rumor mill has swirled all season, with Landeskog and Duchene chief among the speculation. Despite his one point in his last 18 matches, Duchene appears to be the trade chip needed to push the team forward, with reports indicating any deal would require a top blue-liner coming to Colorado.

Change is afoot with the Avalanche, and a major addition to the team's defensive core is the only fix to rebuild a franchise that twice captured the Stanley Cup in long forgotten days.

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Steve Ott is the latest NHL player to stand up in support of the U.S. women's national team.

The Montreal Canadiens described his experience living in another hockey hotbed and noted the benefits that the women's team brings to USA Hockey.

"I was in Detroit and they come to Detroit and it's sold out to watch them play," he told Sportsnet's Eric Engels on Tuesday. "Someone's making money off their backs, they deserve their cut."

The women were expected to vote on a tentative new deal sometime Tuesday afternoon, a source told A.J. Perez of USA Today. The 2017 Women's World Championship is slated to begin Friday in Michigan, and the American players were threatening to boycott unless they received a livable wage and increased support from USA Hockey.

From Ott's point of view, it's part of a necessary fight that's also happened several times in the NHL.

"I see it like I do the lockouts we had," Ott said. "They're setting things up for future generations of girls. Guys did that for us, and we've done it for younger guys. Women's hockey is really popular in the States. They deserve their cut."

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The Arizona Coyotes will honor Craig Cunningham with a ceremonial pregame puck drop on April 8, the team announced Tuesday.

Per the team's release:

Cunningham, who survived a medical emergency prior to the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) game on November 19, has made a remarkable recovery.

Fans will have an opportunity to congratulate him on the tremendous courage, willpower and perseverance he's demonstrated throughout his rehabilitation.

Part of Cunningham's leg was amputated as a result of an acute cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, but he was recently seen walking without assistance for the first time since the incident.

The Roadrunners' former captain has a special place in the hearts of Arizona hockey fans, and the puck drop should indeed be a very special moment.

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Every Tuesday, theScore's editors will examine the fortunes of the north's seven NHL franchises. Welcome to "O Canada."

Canadian clubs' lineups are studded with highly talented - and highly expensive - players, but rosters still feature some who offer a better bang for the buck.

They don't always get their due credit, so here are seven players across the country providing great value to their squads:

Calgary Flames

Few players have skated under the radar like Flames forward Mikael Backlund, who's emerged as a key pivot for Calgary this season. The club's general manager, Brad Treliving, believes the Swedish center's name should be in the conversation for the Selke Trophy honoring the league's top defensive forward.

Backlund hasn't been shy at the other end of the rink, either. Tallying 50 points on the season, he's already eclipsed a career high in production with six games left to be played. Backlund sits third in Flames scoring, behind only Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, while his roughly $3.6-million cap hit ranks fifth among Flames forwards.

Edmonton Oilers

Patrick Maroon's ability to find chemistry with phenom Connor McDavid has certainly paid off on the scoresheet, as he's already tallied 25 times in 75 contests this season.

Coming into the year, he'd posted 34 goals in 220 career games. The Oilers added Maroon at last year's trade deadline, and though the transaction made little noise in the headlines, it's quickly paid off for the club. Not a bad return for a player signed for $1.5 million through next season.

Montreal Canadiens

Acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks at last year's trade deadline, Quebec-born Phillip Danault has impressed since his return to his home province. Danault plays a critical role down the middle for the Canadiens, and has scored 35 points in 75 games this season while doing so.

The best part? Danault is providing production on a cap hit of less than $1 million. The 24-year-old is already on his second contract, having spent part of the past five campaigns toiling with the Blackhawks organization.

Ottawa Senators

In a pinch, with Craig Anderson away from the club, the Senators threw their season to Mike Condon, sending a fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins to acquire the netminder. The second-year stopper has more than impressed.

It's a familiar role for Condon, who took over the crease in Montreal a year ago after starter Carey Price was lost to injury. His success has pushed the Senators to compete for the top spot in the Atlantic, and he's done it at a bargain-basement price of $575,000.

Toronto Maple Leafs

With the spotlight on Auston Matthews and Co., James van Riemsdyk has been the steady veteran for the Maple Leafs, producing at a near career high.

Through 74 games, Van Riemsdyk has secured 55 points. A late push could see the savvy winger tie his career-best 61 points, a mark set two years ago in his second season in Toronto. Signed through next season at a cap hit of $4.25 million, Van Riemsdyk provides the Maple Leafs with affordable and reliable offense, and potentially an even more valuable trade chip.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks unearthed value when they acquired Markus Granlund from the Flames last February. The deal sent former first-rounder Hunter Shinkaruk to Calgary, but Vancouver liked the potential it saw in Granlund.

That belief has quickly paid off: The 23-year-old sits fifth in Canucks scoring this season, while only Bo Horvat has outpaced him in the goals department. Through his first full season in Vancouver, Granlund has put together 19 goals and 13 assists in 69 games. The Finnish forward is signed through next season at $900,000.

Winnipeg Jets

Any high-end offense from the bottom six is often a bonus, so the Jets are getting supreme value when it comes to center Adam Lowry.

The 23-year-old forward is emerging as a player with some flash in his third full season with Winnipeg. Lowry's found the back of the 14 times this season, placing him sixth in team goal-scoring. He's doing it affordably to boot, as Lowry is signed through the next two seasons with a cap hit of about $1.13 million.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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Every Tuesday, theScore's editors will examine the fortunes of the north's seven NHL franchises. Welcome to "O Canada."

Canadian clubs' lineups are studded with highly talented - and highly expensive - players, but rosters still feature some who offer a better bang for the buck.

They don't always get their due credit, so here are seven players across the country providing great value to their squads:

Calgary Flames

Few players have skated under the radar like Flames forward Mikael Backlund, who's emerged as a key pivot for Calgary this season. The club's general manager, Brad Treliving, believes the Swedish center's name should be in the conversation for the Selke Trophy honoring the league's top defensive forward.

Backlund hasn't been shy at the other end of the rink, either. Tallying 50 points on the season, he's already eclipsed a career high in production with six games left to be played. Backlund sits third in Flames scoring, behind only Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, while his roughly $3.6-million cap hit ranks fifth among Flames forwards.

Edmonton Oilers

Patrick Maroon's ability to find chemistry with phenom Connor McDavid has certainly paid off on the scoresheet, as he's already tallied 25 times in 75 contests this season.

Coming into the year, he'd posted 34 goals in 220 career games. The Oilers added Maroon at last year's trade deadline, and though the transaction made little noise in the headlines, it's quickly paid off for the club. Not a bad return for a player signed for $1.5 million through next season.

Montreal Canadiens

Acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks at last year's trade deadline, Quebec-born Phillip Danault has impressed since his return to his home province. Danault plays a critical role down the middle for the Canadiens, and has scored 35 points in 75 games this season while doing so.

The best part? Danault is providing production on a cap hit of less than $1 million. The 24-year-old is already on his second contract, having spent part of the past five campaigns toiling with the Blackhawks organization.

Ottawa Senators

In a pinch, with Craig Anderson away from the club, the Senators threw their season to Mike Condon, sending a fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins to acquire the netminder. The second-year stopper has more than impressed.

It's a familiar role for Condon, who took over the crease in Montreal a year ago after starter Carey Price was lost to injury. His success has pushed the Senators to compete for the top spot in the Atlantic, and he's done it at a bargain-basement price of $575,000.

Toronto Maple Leafs

With the spotlight on Auston Matthews and Co., James van Riemsdyk has been the steady veteran for the Maple Leafs, producing at a near career high.

Through 74 games, Van Riemsdyk has secured 55 points. A late push could see the savvy winger tie his career-best 61 points, a mark set two years ago in his second season in Toronto. Signed through next season at a cap hit of $4.25 million, Van Riemsdyk provides the Maple Leafs with affordable and reliable offense, and potentially an even more valuable trade chip.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks unearthed value when they acquired Markus Granlund from the Flames last February. The deal sent former first-rounder Hunter Shinkaruk to Calgary, but Vancouver liked the potential it saw in Granlund.

That belief has quickly paid off: The 23-year-old sits fifth in Canucks scoring this season, while only Bo Horvat has outpaced him in the goals department. Through his first full season in Vancouver, Granlund has put together 19 goals and 13 assists in 69 games. The Finnish forward is signed through next season at $900,000.

Winnipeg Jets

Any high-end offense from the bottom six is often a bonus, so the Jets are getting supreme value when it comes to center Adam Lowry.

The 23-year-old forward is emerging as a player with some flash in his third full season with Winnipeg. Lowry's found the back of the 14 times this season, placing him sixth in team goal-scoring. He's doing it affordably to boot, as Lowry is signed through the next two seasons with a cap hit of about $1.13 million.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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When the Montreal Canadiens fired coach Michel Therrien on Feb. 14, the hope was that his dismissal would provide a wake-up call for a club that had found itself way off track.

In the week leading up to Therrien's firing, the Canadiens dropped five of seven contests, collecting just three points along the way, with the former bench boss's tenure coming to an end following a 4-0 loss to the Boston Bruins.

The course has largely been corrected since the change, with the Canadiens earning a 11-5-1 showing under new coach Claude Julien. But did the switch also cost the Canadiens one of their top scorers?

After tallying 14 goals through the first part of the campaign, Alexander Radulov looked to be well on his way to a 30-goal finish, and the Canadiens appeared to have found the top buy of the offseason.

But since the coaching change, Radulov has registered just a single goal, coming in a four-point romp against the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 27.

Take that a step further and Radulov has scored just two points in the other 13 games under Julien. To note, he missed three contests at the start of March in dealing with a lower-body ailment, but it's hard to ignore Radulov's steep drop in production.

Certain players work better with certain coaches, and that's a question that Canadiens will need to know the answer to before putting pen to paper on a long-term extension with the pending free agent.

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Spoiler alert.

The Edmonton Oilers can clinch their first playoff spot since 2006 with a win over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday, but the visiting team will do all they can to rain on the parade, according to defenseman Drew Doughty.

The Oilers sit 14 points ahead of the Kings heading into the game, with the latter all but eliminated from postseason contention at this point.

While the balance of power is indeed shifting in the Pacific Division, Doughty and the Kings clearly won't go out without a fight.

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An upper-body injury has kept Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin on the shelf for the past six games, but he appears to be making some progress, at least.

"He is going through a process both on and off the ice", head coach Mile Sullivan said Tuesday. "We're hopeful we will get him back sooner rather than later."

Meanwhile, the Penguins have seven games remaining on the regular-season schedule and sit three points back of the Washington Capitals for first in the Metropolitan Division and atop the NHL standings.

Malkin has missed 13 games due to injury over the course of the season, but sits second in team scoring with 33 goals and 39 assists for 72 total points.

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Banger Leagues | Standard Leagues

Here is a glimpse at what the first round of 2017 fantasy hockey drafts will look like in leagues with the following categories:

1. C Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Crosby vs. McDavid will be the debate in standard leagues. They'll probably be neck-and-neck for the Art Ross Trophy in the coming seasons, but Crosby's sudden desire to score goals presents more value compared to McDavid, who garners most of his points via assists. Crosby's superior supporting cast puts him over the top.

2. C Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

McDavid and Crosby are the two players in the NHL who have the best odds of recording 100 points. A 100-point player is more valuable than just about anything else in fantasy hockey. McDavid's age and speed give him a sky-high ceiling. He should improve year after year.

3. D Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks

Even in leagues without hits or blocks, Burns still deserves to be a top-3 selection. A defenseman who can score 30 goals, tally 80 points and lead the league in shots on goal provides so much value and balance to your team.

4. G Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals

In leagues where the goaltending stats account for a higher percentage of the categories, you could make the argument Holtby deserves to go No. 1 overall. Even though they have a few key pending unrestricted free agents, Washington should continue to be a powerhouse and Holtby is in his prime.

5. RW Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Kane doesn't have the same amount of upside as Crosby and McDavid, but he still has the ability to rack up 100 points, though he'll probably wind up with somewhere around 90. This type of production from right wing is extremely valuable given the lack of depth compared to center.

6. D Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators

Karlsson has averaged less ice time this season than he has since 2011-12. This is due to head coach Guy Boucher making sure his star player has some gas left in the tank down the stretch. While it might help the Senators in reality, it dampers his fantasy appeal ever so slightly. He still has point-per-game potential, but he doesn't have the 30-goal upside of Burns.

7. G Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal's aging blue line is a slight cause for concern. Nonetheless, a full season with Claude Julien at the helm will lead to stronger defensive play throughout the lineup, therefore solidifying Price as a first-round pick.

7. G Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are no fluke - and neither is Bobrovsky's spectacular season. The Jackets are a young team with a strong blue line and should only improve with more experience. Shot blocking has always been a staple for John Tortorella-led teams. Goalies such as Henrik Lundqvist and Nikolai Khabibulin enjoyed their best seasons under Tortorella's guidance.

9. RW Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning

Kucherov is the only player from the famed "Triplets" line to not regress. In fact, he has become one of the game's best players. He has carried the Lightning offense all season. With C Steven Stamkos back in the fold next year, Kucherov should shine even brighter.

10. LW Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins

Marchand is one of the best late-bloomers in recent memory. When you watch him play, it's hard to convince yourself this season has been a fluke. Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy certainly doesn't have the resume of Julien, but the former is more aggressive and offensive-minded. Another point-per-game season - or better - is on the horizon for Marchand in 2017-18.

Just missed the cut: Penguins C Evgeni Malkin, Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin, St. Louis Blues RW Vladimir Tarasenko, Toronto Maple Leafs C Auston Matthews

(Photos courtesy Action Images)

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Change of plans for the Montreal Canadiens.

Goaltender Zachary Fucale has been recalled from the ECHL's Brampton Beast on an emergency basis after Al Montoya suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday's morning skate.

Montoya was slated to start against Dallas, but Carey Price will now draw the assignment with Fucale serving as backup.

Fucale was selected in the second round of the 2013 Draft and has yet to make his NHL debut.

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