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Avalanche eyeing adjustments for Game 4 in bid to keep series edge

22 0
11.05.2026

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Four games, four starting goalies.

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar and Minnesota Wild boss John Hynes warned us when this Stanley Cup playoff series began that they’d be comfortable changing goalies, but we didn’t expect the full roster of puck-stoppers to appear before the end of Game 3.

Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to start Game 4 Monday night (8 p.m. ET on Sportsnet, Sportsnet ) for the Avalanche after replacing Scott Wedgewood partway through Saturday’s contest, which the Wild won 5-1 with the return of their starter, Jesper Wallstedt, after a one-game reset.

The lopsided victory brought the Wild into this series, down 2-1, and forced Bednar and the Avalanche to make adjustments.

Their response will include giving Blackwood, who lost the No. 1 designation to Wedgewood this season, his first start since Colorado’s second-to-last regular-season game on April 14.

Defenceman Josh Manson, injured in Game 3 of the Avalanche’s first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings, could also play, although Bednar declined after Monday’s morning skate to confirm his roster. Injured winger Joel Kiviranta is another option for Colorado, Bednar said

Blackwood was the first Avalanche goalie off the ice and was kept away from reporters, so he almost certainly will be starting ahead of Wedgewood for the first time in nine games.

As Saturday’s reliever,........

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