Why is Blackwood starting over Wedgewood?
Wedgewood was pulled in Game 3 after allowing three goals on 12 shots.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Avalanche's Blackwood to Start Game 4 vs. Wild; Lehkonen Out with Injury | Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 5: Playoff Preview and Key Insights | Sabres Look to Even Series Against Canadiens in Game 4 | Sabres vs. Canadiens Game 4: Luukkonen Returns in Net | Zach Benson: The NHL's Ultimate Playoff Pest | NHL Predictions and Prop Bets: Hurricanes vs. Flyers Game 3 | Brind'Amour vs. Tocchet: Hurricanes and Flyers Face Off in Game 3 | Sabres' Carrick Returns to Practice; Ruff Takes Jab at Bruins | Cale Makar vs. Quinn Hughes: Stanley Cup Playoff Showdown | Avalanche's Blackwood to Start Game 4 vs. Wild; Lehkonen Out with Injury | Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 5: Playoff Preview and Key Insights | Sabres Look to Even Series Against Canadiens in Game 4 | Sabres vs. Canadiens Game 4: Luukkonen Returns in Net | Zach Benson: The NHL's Ultimate Playoff Pest | NHL Predictions and Prop Bets: Hurricanes vs. Flyers Game 3 | Brind'Amour vs. Tocchet: Hurricanes and Flyers Face Off in Game 3 | Sabres' Carrick Returns to Practice; Ruff Takes Jab at Bruins | Cale Makar vs. Quinn Hughes: Stanley Cup Playoff Showdown
NHL / Stanley Cup Playoffs
Avalanche's Blackwood to Start Game 4 vs. Wild; Lehkonen Out with Injury
The Colorado Avalanche are making a significant goaltending change for Game 4 of their series against the Minnesota Wild, with Mackenzie Blackwood stepping in to replace Scott Wedgewood. Several other lineup adjustments are also in play as...
Key Insights
- Mackenzie Blackwood will start in goal for the Avalanche, replacing Scott Wedgewood, who was pulled in Game 3 after allowing three goals on 12 shots. Why this matters: Blackwood's performance could be pivotal in determining whether the Avalanche maintain their series lead.
- Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski are out with upper-body injuries. Josh Manson and Joel Kiviranta are returning to the lineup after recovering from their respective injuries. Why this matters: These lineup changes will test the Avalanche's depth and adaptability.
- Joel Eriksson Ek remains sidelined for the Wild with a lower-body injury. Why this matters: Eriksson Ek's absence impacts the Wild's depth.
- Jesper Wallstedt started in goal for the Wild in Game 3 and had a strong performance. This follows a series of goaltending changes for the Wild. Why this matters: Consistent goaltending is crucial for the Wild to get back in the series.
In-Depth Analysis
### Goaltending Change
Mackenzie Blackwood gets the nod in Game 4 after Scott Wedgewood struggled in Game 3. Blackwood had a .904 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average in 39 regular-season games. He also has a strong record following a loss during the regular season, with an 8-2-0 record and a 2.20 goals-against average.
### Key Lineup Adjustments
- **Avalanche:** Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski are sidelined with injuries, while Josh Manson and Joel Kiviranta return. Jack Ahcan will make his playoff debut on the second pairing alongside Manson.
- **Wild:** Joel Eriksson Ek remains out with a lower-body injury.
### Impact on the Series
These changes come as both teams look to gain an edge in what has been a tightly contested series. The Avalanche are hoping Blackwood can provide stability in net, while the Wild need Wallstedt to continue his strong play.
FAQ
Who is out with injuries for the Avalanche?
Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski are out with upper-body injuries.
Is Joel Eriksson Ek playing for the Wild?
No, he remains sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Takeaways
- Mackenzie Blackwood will start Game 4 for the Avalanche.
- Artturi Lehkonen is out with an upper-body injury.
- Josh Manson and Joel Kiviranta are back in the Avalanche lineup.
- Joel Eriksson Ek remains out for the Wild.
- The Avalanche lead the series 2-1.
Discussion
Do you think Blackwood will perform well as the starter? Share your thoughts in the comments! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
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