Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson returned from a five-game absence only to deliver a costly mistake in Game 4 against Minnesota. Manson received a double minor penalty for butt-ending Wild center Michael McCarron in the face during a first-period scrum. The penalty came after McCarron checked Manson hard into the boards, leading to a physical altercation where both players ended up on the ice.

Danila Yurov capitalized on the power play to give Minnesota an early lead, but Colorado rallied for a 5-2 victory to take a 3-1 series edge. Manson defended his actions afterward, claiming he didn't intend to butt-end McCarron but admitted wanting to punch him. McCarron fired back, calling Manson a 'dirty player' who isn't well-respected around the league.

The loss was particularly painful for Minnesota as they dropped their first home game of the series. Colorado made several lineup adjustments, inserting Manson and rookie Jack Ahcan while scratching Nick Blankenburg. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood earned his first start in nearly a month, making 19 saves in the win after relieving Scott Wedgewood in Game 3. The Avalanche now sit one victory away from advancing to the conference finals.

Manson's controversial play overshadowed what was otherwise a strong performance from Colorado's defensive corps. His career-best plus-42 rating during the regular season suggests he's typically more disciplined. The incident adds fuel to an already heated playoff series between these Central Division rivals.