I don't know if that's a great example. Bednar made him a healthy scratch in November during his first year as coach. He also made him a healthy scratch in game 1 the following season. He's been quite tough on Z early in every season.
He'll build guys up by saying how good they can be if they play the right way, but he'll also be critical of what they're doing wrong.
You are thinking in very broad strokes when looking at this IMO. Its actually something that changes daily/weekly.
Bednar literally said to the media he was focused on building Z's confidence. He talked about managing his minutes as well. What we thought was cuts in his ice time. Bednar specifically said had more to do with match ups and situational usage based on Bednar trying to keep Z away from situations that might undermine that goal.
Then yes, not too much later benches him at times. IMO there was an obvious contrast.
Actually in Bednar's first year we thought how he handled players at the NHL level might be his downfall. He clearly patched things up with Soda.
Bednar has definitely made some adjustments I think, and learned some things under fire.