Home / Sports / Avalanche Face Goalie Crisis in Wild Series Showdown
Avalanche Face Goalie Crisis in Wild Series Showdown
12 May
Summary
- Avalanche may bench goalie after one poor playoff game.
- Minnesota Wild tied series record for defensemen goals.
- Colorado Avalanche lost favorite status to win Stanley Cup.
The Colorado Avalanche, once favorites to win the Stanley Cup, have seen their odds shorten after a significant Game 3 loss to the Minnesota Wild. A goalie decision is imminent for Game 4, with coach Jared Bednar contemplating a switch from Scott Wedgewood. Wedgewood, who had a strong regular season and playoff performance, struggled in Game 3, leading to Mackenzie Blackwood entering the game. This performance drop has shifted the Avalanche to second favorites for the Stanley Cup, behind the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Minnesota Wild, conversely, are achieving franchise milestones. Defensemen have contributed significantly, setting a team record for goals in a single postseason. Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes were offensive stars in Game 3, with Hughes setting a new team record for goals by a defenseman in the playoffs. The Wild aim to become the third team in recent postseasons to force a 2-2 series tie after losing the first two games.
Potential reinforcements are nearing return for the Wild, with forward Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin possibly available for Game 4. Colorado's defenseman Josh Manson also remains a possibility for the Avalanche. SportsLine projections favor the Avalanche, but the game remains uncertain given potential goalie instability for Colorado and strong performances from Minnesota.
