Blackwood expected to start for Avalanche in Game 4 of Western 2nd Round
Blackwood expected to start for Avalanche in Game 4 of Western 2nd Round
The Colorado Avalanche are reportedly set to make a significant change between the pipes for their critical Game 4 matchup against the Minnesota Wild. Following a challenging 5-1 loss in Game 3, head coach Jared Bednar is expected to turn to Mackenzie Blackwood to defend the crease as the team looks to regain momentum in the Western Conference Second Round. This strategic shift comes at a pivotal moment in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Colorado currently holding a 2-1 series lead but facing an energized Minnesota squad playing on home ice at the Grand Casino Arena.
Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to start in goal for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Minnesota Wild on Monday, May 11, 2026. After relieving Scott Wedgewood in Game 3 and stopping 12 of 13 shots, Blackwood was the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate, a traditional indicator of a starting assignment. This would mark Blackwood's first start of the 2026 postseason as the Avalanche aim to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
The Strategic Pivot: Why Jared Bednar is Turning to Blackwood
The decision to start Mackenzie Blackwood represents a calculated move by the Avalanche coaching staff to stabilize the defensive end. Throughout the regular season, Colorado effectively utilized a tandem system, often referred to as The Lumber Yard, involving both Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. This duo's combined efforts earned them the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals in the NHL. While Wedgewood has been the primary starter for the first seven games of the playoffs, his recent performance in Game 3—allowing three goals on just 12 shots—prompted Bednar to look for a spark.
Bednar has expressed immense confidence in both goaltenders, noting that their success all season was built on a shared workload. By inserting a rested and motivated Blackwood, the Avalanche hope to recalibrate their defensive intensity. Blackwood’s relief appearance in Game 3 showed he was sharp despite a month-long layoff from game action, as he provided a steadying presence during a period where the Wild were surging.
Analyzing Blackwood vs. Wedgewood: Regular Season and Playoff Stats
To understand the weight of this decision, one must look at the statistical parity between the two netminders. During the 2025-26 regular season, Wedgewood and Blackwood posted remarkably similar numbers, which allowed the Avalanche to maintain their high standing in the Central Division regardless of who was in net. Wedgewood finished the season with a 31-6-6 record, a 2.02 goals-against average (GAA), and a .921 save percentage. Blackwood was equally reliable, recording 23 wins, a 2.51 GAA, and a .904 save percentage.
In the postseason, Wedgewood started with six consecutive wins before the Game 3 stumble. His current playoff GAA stands at 2.45 with a .911 save percentage. Blackwood, conversely, enters Game 4 with a fresh perspective. Having played seven playoff games for the Avalanche in the previous season, he understands the heightened pressure of the second round. His ability to perform in relief suggests that the transition to starter for Game 4 should be seamless, providing the mental and physical "reset" the team needs after their first loss of the postseason.
The Impact of Game 3: A Momentum Shift in Saint Paul
Game 3 was a wake-up call for the top-seeded Avalanche. The Minnesota Wild, led by Kirill Kaprizov and a resurgent Jesper Wallstedt, dominated the play, ending Colorado's nine-game winning streak that dated back to the end of the regular season. The 5-1 defeat wasn't just about goaltending; the Avalanche were outplayed in special teams and physical engagement. Minnesota’s ability to score two power-play goals highlighted cracks in the Avalanche’s penalty kill, which had been nearly perfect up to that point.
By making the switch to Blackwood, the coaching staff is also sending a message to the skaters. A goalie change often serves as a "mental alarm" for the defense, encouraging them to tighten up their gaps and clear the crease more effectively. As Gabriel Landeskog noted in post-game interviews, the team needs a "short memory" to move past the loss and return to the high-intensity, structured game that defined their first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings.
| Goalie Comparison (2025-26 Season) | Stat Category |
|---|---|
| Scott Wedgewood | 31-6-6 Record, 2.02 GAA |
| Mackenzie Blackwood | 23-10-2 Record, 2.51 GAA |
| Tandem Achievement | William M. Jennings Trophy |
| Playoff Status | Blackwood expected Game 4 Starter |
Lineup Adjustments and the Return of Key Personnel
Beyond the goaltending situation, the Avalanche are expecting reinforcements in their skater lineup. Defenseman Josh Manson and forward Joel Kiviranta were both participants in the morning skate and are considered options for Game 4. Manson’s return would be a massive boost for the defensive core, adding a physical edge and veteran presence that was missing during the Game 3 onslaught. His inclusion would likely mean Nick Blankenburg returns to the scratch list.
The forward lines may also see a reshuffle. While the top line of Lehkonen, MacKinnon, and Necas remains the primary engine, Bednar is looking for more production from his middle-six. Players like Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin have been excellent defensively but have only contributed empty-net goals in the playoffs so far. Rebalancing these lines could provide the offensive depth required to solve Jesper Wallstedt, who stopped 35 of 36 shots in the previous outing.
Minnesota Wild’s Perspective: Sustaining the Physicality
The Wild head into Game 4 with the belief that they have found the blueprint to frustrate the Avalanche. Their strategy involves heavy forechecking, winning board battles, and neutralizing Nathan MacKinnon with layered defense. Ryan Hartman and Matt Boldy have been instrumental in this approach, combining physical play with timely scoring. The Wild are also hoping for the return of top-center Joel Eriksson Ek, who has missed the start of the series with a lower-body injury. His presence would significantly bolster their two-way game and faceoff win percentage.
For Minnesota, the challenge is to replicate the Game 3 intensity. They understand that Colorado is a "well-conditioned team" that rarely loses two in a row. To even the series, the Wild will need another stellar performance from Wallstedt and must continue to exploit any special teams advantages. The atmosphere at Grand Casino Arena is expected to be electric, providing a true home-ice advantage as the Wild attempt to fracture the Avalanche’s poise.
The Importance of Special Teams in the Series
Special teams have become the X-factor in this Western Conference clash. In the first two games, Colorado's penalty kill was a stabilizing force. However, in Game 3, the Wild's power play found success twice, which swung the momentum early in the second period. Correcting these errors will be a top priority for Bednar’s squad. With Blackwood in net, the penalty-killing units will need to be particularly communicative to ensure clear sightlines and efficient rebound control.
On the flip side, the Avalanche’s power play needs to capitalize on its opportunities. While they have elite talent on the man-advantage, including Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon, the unit has been inconsistent. Scoring early on the power play could quiet the Minnesota crowd and take the pressure off Blackwood in his first start of the postseason. Success in these high-leverage situations often dictates the outcome of tight playoff games.
Scouting the "H2" Players: Hidden Impact Makers
While the headlines focus on the goalie change and superstar stats, the "H2" or high-impact players will likely determine the winner of Game 4. For Colorado, players like Martin Necas and Ross Colton provide the speed and tenacity required to break through Minnesota's defensive shell. Necas, a mid-season acquisition, has seamlessly integrated into the top line and currently sits third on the team in playoff points. For Minnesota, young defenseman Brock Faber has been a revelation, logging massive minutes and contributing both offensively and defensively.
The ability of these depth players to impact the game in short bursts is what makes this series so compelling. Whether it's a blocked shot by Jack Ahcan or a heavy hit by Josh Manson, these contributions often provide the emotional fuel for a team. In a game where a new goalie is taking the net, these "hidden gems" must elevate their play to support the transition.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Game 4 Goalie Change
Who is starting in goal for the Avalanche in Game 4?
Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to make his first start of the 2026 playoffs in Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild.
Why did Jared Bednar pull Scott Wedgewood in Game 3?
Wedgewood was pulled after allowing three goals on 12 shots to provide a mental spark for the team and because Blackwood appeared sharp in practice.
What are Mackenzie Blackwood's regular season stats?
Blackwood finished the 2025-26 season with a 23-10-2 record, a 2.51 GAA, and a .904 save percentage.
Are there any other injury updates for Colorado?
Josh Manson and Joel Kiviranta are both potential returns for Game 4 after participating in the morning skate.
Where is Game 4 being played?
The game will take place at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Conclusion
The expected start of Mackenzie Blackwood for Game 4 is more than just a personnel change; it is a strategic maneuver designed to reclaim the defensive dominance that defined Colorado's season. By leaning into their successful regular-season goalie rotation, the Avalanche are betting on Blackwood's freshness and the team's ability to respond to a new presence in net. As the series reaches its midpoint, the pressure is on both teams to adapt. For Colorado, Game 4 is an opportunity to prove that their Game 3 stumble was an anomaly. For Minnesota, it is a chance to prove they belong among the elite. With Blackwood between the pipes and the potential return of key physical players like Josh Manson, the stage is set for a high-intensity battle that will likely define the trajectory of the Western Conference Second Round.
Blackwood expected to start for Avalanche in Game 4 of Western 2nd Round
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