Mackenzie Blackwood’s practice spot hints at Avalanche goalie change for Game 4

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Jordan Llanes, ClutchPoints

Mon, May 11, 2026 at 5:52 PM UTC ·

2 min read

Mackenzie Blackwood’s practice spot hints at Avalanche goalie change for Game 4 appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Saturday night’s Game 3 between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild could be a turning point in their second-round postseason matchup. After building a 2-0 lead at home, the Avalanche looked to go up 3-0 with another win over Minnesota.

Unfortunately for Avalanche faithful, starting goaltender Scott Wedgewood was pulled early in the second period after allowing three goals on 12 shots. Mackenzie Blackwood , his replacement, fared much better, stopping 12 of the 13 shots he faced the rest of the matchup, but the team still lost the game 5-1.

Now, after Blackwood’s sterling performance in relief, it appears he’ll start Game 4 for the Avs on Monday night, according to team reporter Evan Rawal via X, formerly Twitter.

“Mackenzie Blackwood is warming up in the Avs starter net,” posted Rawal on Monday afternoon. “Looks like Avs could be making a change tonight.”

Before Saturday’s defeat, the Avalanche had yet to lose in the postseason. They opened up the Stanley Cup Playoffs with an opening round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings . Looking to get back on track in Monday’s Game 4, Blackwood could provide another spark for Colorado’s lineup.

After scoring 14 goals in the series’ first two games, the Avs’ offense failed to take off against the Wild’s Jesper Wallstedt . A lone second-period power-play goal, long after Minnesota had a commanding lead, showcased the tough night for the top seed in the Western Conference.

Still, an opportunity to go up 3-1 heading into Game 5 awaits the Avalanche. A win on the road would give Blackwood and the Avs a chance to close out the second-round victory at home later this week.

If Blackwood can continue the strong form he exhibited to close out Game 3, will Colorado head coach Jared Bednar ride the hot hand? Or will he elect to switch back to Wedgewood? Game 4 will likely give the Avalanche faithful a clear answer.

Puck is set to drop just past 8:00 p.m. ET on Monday from Grand Casino Arena.