Colorado Avalanche entered Game 4 in Minnesota reeling from a 5-1 defeat that erased their status as Stanley Cup favorites. Coach Jared Bednar faces a looming netminder decision after starter Scott Wedgewood surrendered three goals on 12 shots before being pulled for Mackenzie Blackwood, who stopped 12 of 13 remaining attempts. A change could signal desperation as the series hangs in the balance, for now.

Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov matched Nathan MacKinnon with a three‑point night, tying the postseason lead at 14 points before Mitch Marner reclaimed it. Defenseman Quinn Hughes notched his fourth playoff goal, a franchise record for a blueliner, and added the game‑winning marker. Minnesota’s defensemen have contributed eight goals this postseason, a team record that fuels their 3‑0 start advantage.

With Colorado slipping to a +190 second‑favorite spot behind Carolina, the Avalanche cannot afford another loss. Injured defenseman Josh Manson remains unavailable, while Minnesota may inject veteran Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin if cleared. Should Bednar stick with Blackwood, the net will test his rust; keeping Wedgewood could restore the 2.02 GAA that anchored their regular‑season success.