Avalanche Coach Hints at Bold Lineup Change for Game 4 vs. Wild

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Avalanche Coach Hints at Bold Lineup Change for Game 4 vs. Wild

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael DeRosa | Last updated May 11, 2026 5:22 PM ET

The Colorado Avalanche are set to face off against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night for Game 4 of the second round. The Avalanche will be aiming to bounce back in this matchup after losing Game 3 by a 5-1 final score. It was an uncharacteristically bad game for the Avalanche, and they will be looking for revenge by picking up a victory in Game 4.

Netminder Scott Wedgewood was among the Avalanche players who had rough nights in Game 3. This is because the 33-year-old goalie allowed three goals on 12 shots before being pulled in the second period.

Now, there's a real chance that the Avalanche will be making a significant change to their lineup for Game 4 because of it.

While speaking to reporters, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar hinted that MacKenzie Blackwood would be the team's starter in Game 4 instead of Wedgewood.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (39) at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

"I mean, he’s looked sharp for us. We’re getting good reports and like I said at the start of the playoffs, we’re probably going to need both guys," Bednar said about Blackwood. "That’s how we ran all year and we have confidence in both guys and Mackenzie’s ready to play. He wants the net."

Based on Bednar's comments, it certainly appears likely that Blackwood will be between the pipes for Colorado in Game 4. This comes after the 29-year-old goaltender made his first appearance of the playoffs in relief of Wedgewood in Game 3, where he stopped 12 out of 13 shots.

While Wedgewood had a tough Game 3, he has been excellent for the Avalanche this postseason otherwise. In seven playoff games, he had a 6-1 record, a .911 save percentage, and a 2.45 goals-against average. Although this is the case, the Avalanche seems ready to make a bold change between the pipes by starting Blackwood. Let's see if it pays off.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: