Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar shocked fans by yanking Scott Wedgewood—the NHL’s worst regular-season goalie—for Mackenzie Blackwood in Game 4. Blackwood, who’d been sidelined since March, stopped 19 of 21 shots in a 5-2 rout, sparking questions about Wedgewood’s playoff viability. The move ignited debates: Was this a bold gamble or a necessary correction?

Wedgewood, who’d led the league in goals-against average and save percentage during the regular season, now faces scrutiny after two shaky postseason starts. Bednar praised Blackwood’s preparation, calling his performance “exactly what I was hoping for.” Meanwhile, injuries reshaped the lineup: defensemen Sam Malinski and Artturi Lehkonen exited early, while Josh Manson returned after a first-round absence. Top line adjustments saw Gabriel Landeskog joining Nathan MacKinnon, who endured a scary facial injury but finished the game.

Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt held firm despite Colorado’s dominance, notably surrendering two empty-net goals. The Wild’s penalty kill collapsed for a 10th straight game, their longest playoff skid since 2009. With Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin injured, Minnesota’s depth falters. Colorado’s power play, which scored 20 goals across 15 players this series, remains lethal. The Avalanche now cling to a 3-1 series lead, aiming to clinch at home—a rarity under Bednar.

This series has defied trends: all four games exceeded six goals, and Colorado’s 7-1 record in first eight playoff games mirrors their 2001 and 2022 Cup runs. Yet Bednar’s playoff Game 5 home ice strategy hangs in limbo. Minnesota, 0-5 in elimination games under coach John Hynes, faces an uphill battle. For now, Colorado’s roster depth and puck luck position them as favorites, but playoff unpredictability looms large.