Conor Timmins, black aces come up big in Game 5 win

His job is to stay ready. As part of the Avalanche’s black aces in the Edmonton bubble, Conor Timmins knows his number could be called upon at any moment. With key injuries piling up for Colorado, including one to defenseman Erik Johnson, Timmins knew there’d be a possibility his time might be fast approaching. 

After a 5-4 loss in Game 4 on Sunday, head coach Jared Bednar went back to the hotel later that night and met with a few of his black aces, including a sit-down meeting with Timmins. He indicated to them that there might be a chance they’d play in Game 5 on Monday night. He told them to stay ready. Then, at the optional morning skate Monday morning, Bednar told Timmins he’d be making his NHL postseason debut later that night.