10 Takeaways: Bednar Has a Goaltending Decision To Make For Game 4
Colorado Hockey Now • • sports
Key Points:
- Colorado Avalanche's goaltender Scott Wedgewood was pulled after allowing three goals on 12 shots in Game 3, with Mackenzie Blackwood entering the game after nearly a month off, highlighting the team's goaltending challenges this postseason.
- Coach Jared Bednar emphasized he does not have a set starter and backup, instead trusting a tandem approach, and made the goalie change to try and shift momentum as the Wild dominated early in the game.
- Despite being outchanced 19-13 at 5-on-5 and failing to score at even strength, the Avalanche did not concede any 5-on-5 goals; all Minnesota Wild goals came during special teams or altered player situations.
- Key players Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin, who have heavy defensive roles, have struggled offensively with only one goal each in seven postseason games, a concern highlighted by Bednar and Nelson himself.
- Bednar acknowledged the Wild showed more compete and hinted at potential line adjustments moving forward, especially given Colorado's slower pace and difficulties sustaining offensive pressure during critical shifts.
