The Tampa Bay Lightning are fuming after a bold statement from Colorado Avalanche head coach, Jared Bednar, who promised a defeat against the Lightning in an upcoming matchup. Bednar’s comments, made in a recent interview, took many by surprise, as they were seen as an outright challenge to one of the NHL’s most successful teams in recent years.

The Lightning, having won two Stanley Cup championships in the past three seasons, have consistently been one of the top teams in the league. Their dominant play, particularly in high-stakes games, has earned them respect across the NHL. However, Bednar’s comment stirred up tensions in the hockey community, especially in Tampa Bay, where fans and players are known for their intense loyalty and pride in their team.

In the interview, Bednar was asked about his expectations for the upcoming game between the Avalanche and the Lightning. Rather than giving the usual diplomatic answer, he boldly declared that the Avalanche would secure a victory, stating, “We have the tools to beat them, and we’re going to do it.” While his confidence may have been rooted in his team’s performance, which has been solid in recent seasons, many took his words as a challenge to the Lightning’s dominance.

For the Lightning, Bednar’s comments were seen as a direct shot at their abilities. With stars like Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Andrei Vasilevskiy leading the way, the team has been known for its resilience and ability to rise to the occasion. Tampa Bay players were particularly vocal about the comments, with some expressing their displeasure and saying that Bednar’s words had only fueled their determination to prove him wrong. “We’ll let our play on the ice do the talking,” one Lightning player commented after hearing the remarks.

The rivalry between the two teams, already heightened by their 2022 Stanley Cup Final showdown, is expected to intensify as the game approaches. Both teams have star-studded lineups and a history of competitive encounters, and this latest exchange has added extra intrigue to an already highly anticipated matchup.

In the end, Bednar’s bold promise may have been an attempt to rally his team and stoke the competitive fire, but it has also sparked controversy, with many in the Lightning camp determined to show that they are still the team to beat in the NHL. Whether his prediction will come true remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next time these two teams meet, it will be a must-watch game.