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Angley delivered her own version of a game-winner, asking head coach Jared Bednar to explain what separates a player like Brindley \u2014 someone who doesn\u2019t see heavy ice time \u2014 yet consistently finds a way to score in clutch moments. What is it, she wondered, that allows a fourth-liner to stay sharp enough, confident enough, and ready enough to strike when the game hangs in the balance?<\/p>\n
“There’s a balance there where you’re still playing to win and be a difference maker without trying to do too much, and turning the puck over or having to go the other way,” Bednar stated.<\/p>\n
“But I think both those guys (Zakhar Bardakov) and (Brindley) have done (well). A challenge oftentimes, especially in the first half of the year and something that they have to go through is, keeping their focus, staying ready. Their name gets called a lot and then they don’t go. I put other people out and then that can be kind of deflating, but you got to stay ready for when your name is called.”<\/p>\n
And this goes deeper than the sport itself. You have to ask the question: What are you made of? What\u2019s in your heart? Do you care about your teammates, or are you more about yourself? Are you willing to be a leader?<\/p>\n
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The Hockey News provided a glimpse of Brindley\u2019s leadership early in the season \u2014 and it came when he wasn\u2019t even dressed.<\/p>\n
On November 23, 2025, while recovering from an upper-body injury sustained during a game against the New York Rangers three days earlier, Brindley appeared at an injured skate session and took part in some stickhandling drills in his tennis shoes on the ice. But he wasn\u2019t just there for his own rehab. He was also there to pump up fellow Avalanche winger Joel Kiviranta, who was rehabbing a lower-body injury sustained earlier in the season.<\/p>\n
Brindley is not brash. He\u2019s not loud. He\u2019s all business. If he sees a teammate who needs encouragement, he\u2019s there. He leads by example \u2014 showing up early for optional skates, arriving early to team practices, and putting in extra work whenever he can. It hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed in the locker room.<\/p>\n
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Following Saturday night\u2019s win over Chicago, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood praised Brindley\u2019s work ethic.<\/p>\n
“Classic,” he said of his teammate. “This guy comes out every day, does the goalie school shootings with me and (Scott Wedgewood). It’s an unforgiving job, got to get on the ice a little extra early, but it’s paying off for him; he’s getting his reps in, and he’s going to be a good player.”<\/p>\n
When asked to shed light on his latest game-winning banger, Brindley had four words to say about his own accomplishment and a lot more to say about his teammates.<\/p>\n
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“That was a big (goal),” Brindley said. “Obviously (Cale Makar), big goal at the end of the second to get us going.<\/p>\n
“Very great job tonight. We controlled the pace of the game. I thought we were really good tonight…probably deserved a couple more goals. It is what it is. That’s how it goes sometimes. Good job from the boys finishing it off.”<\/p>\n
![\"Brindley](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/39691eab11ef55effa0ccecde8cc8d98.jpeg\"\/)
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Brindley celebrating with Josh Manson. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing<\/p>\n
With poise, humility, and that signature clutch touch, Brindley continues to prove that leadership, hard work, and timing can matter just as much as top-line minutes \u2014 and sometimes, they matter even more.<\/p>\n
![\"Image\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/faca7b7105ec1eccfdce20c01c0aaf9f.jpeg\"\/)
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