Avalanche likely to make goalie change for Game 4 against Wild
The Avalanche held morning skate in Minnesota on Monday and it was Mackenzie Blackwood in the starter's crease, not Scott Wedgewood
Watch: |
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar made a goalie change during Game 3 against the Minnesota Wild.
It appears he’s going to stick with Mackenzie Blackwood to start Game 4 and keep Scott Wedgewood on the bench.
The Avs held morning skate in Minnesota on Monday and it was Blackwood in the starter’s crease, not Wedgewood.
Mackenzie Blackwood is warming up in the Avs starter net. Looks like Avs could be making a change tonight.
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) May 11, 2026
This could be gamesmanship by Bednar looking to keep the Wild guessing, but generally it’s a pretty good indication of who’s starting. After morning skate Bednar wouldn’t confirm who was in net, but did add “Mackenzie is ready to play.”
Wedgewood led the Avalanche to a 6-0 record through their first six playoff games, but gave up three goals in about 25 minutes on Saturday night.
He was yanked for Blackwood who stopped 12 of the 13 shots he faced. Colorado still lost the game 5-1 as Minnesota would add a late empty-netter. The Avs now have a 2-1 series lead on the Wild with a pivotal Game 4 later Monday night.
Bednar’s been clear that he’s liked using two goalies all season and that wouldn’t change in the playoffs.
Still, given how well Wedgewood performed through the first six games of the postseason — and all year long — this is a bit of a surprise.
The Avalanche had to use two goalies to win the Stanley Cup in 2022 and it looks like that’ll be the case again in 2026 as they pursue another championship.
It’s a huge decision by Bednar, one that will be critiqued either way. For the sake of Colorado hockey fans everywhere let’s hope it works out.
Related
Cale Makar voted NHL’s best defenseman a fifth year in a row
Avalanche name new head coach for AHL affiliate Eagles
Five most important Avalanche games during the 2026-27 season
NHL drops schedule for 2026-27 Avalanche season
First Avalanche game of 2026-27 season announced, it’s in September
Avs make three more depth signings, including forward with 477 NHL games
Comments
1 Comments
If he in fact does this it will cost the Avs the game and probably the series. Just look at the results when the Wild tried this. If this ends up going to a game 7 you know the Avs are done. They cannot and will not win a game 7.