Signs point to Mackenzie Blackwood starting for Avalanche in Game 4 vs. Wild

AtlanticBruinsCanadiensLightningMaple LeafsPanthersRed WingsSabresSenatorsMetropolitanBlue JacketsCapitalsDevilsFlyersHurricanesIslandersPenguinsRangersCentralAvalancheBlackhawksBluesJetsMammothPredatorsStarsWildPacificCanucksDucksFlamesGolden KnightsKingsKrakenOilersSharksScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsFantasyNHL OddsNHL PicksNHL mock draftUFA big boardPlayoff bracketRed Light NewsletterStanley Cup Scott Wedgewood had a better regular season than Mackenzie Blackwood but has struggled against the Wild. Steph Chambers / Getty Images Share articleMackenzie Blackwood appears to be in line to start Game 4 for the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, replacing Scott Wedgewood, who started the team’s first seven games of the playoffs. Blackwood took shots in the traditional starter’s net at morning skate and was off the ice before Wedgewood. Coach Jared Bednar wouldn’t confirm the change but entertained questions as if Blackwood would be the starter. Wedgewood and Blackwood split time in the regular season, winning the Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed in the league. Wedgewood had the edge over Blackwood in regular-season numbers, leading the league with a .921 save percentage, and will likely appear on end-of-season All-Star ballots. Wedgewood played excellently in the first round of the playoffs, posting a .950 save percentage in four games against the Los Angeles Kings, but has an .861 through three games this round against the Minnesota Wild. “If you’re looking at Wedge’s track record, it’s been great for us,” Bednar said on Monday morning. “But it’s not starter role all the time. He’s done a great job when he’s gone in the net and played for us. Some of them are small stretches, and some are a little larger. But I think for a guy that’s not used to going every night, (with) the mental stress of a playoff series or two playoff series, it can be beneficial to give him a break and kind of reset.” Blackwood had a .904 save percentage in 39 regular-season games. He came in relief of Wedgewood in the second period in Game 3 and stopped 12 of 13 shots he faced. “He’s looked sharp,” Bednar said. “I’ve really liked his practices and the time that he spent on the ice with (goalie coach Jussi Parkkila). … Like I said at the start of the playoffs, we’re probably going to need both guys. It’s how we ran all year. … Mackenzie’s ready to play. He wants the net.” “We’ve got good confidence in both of them,” Avalanche forward Jack Drury said Sunday. “It’s a luxury to have two good goalies, and they’ve both shown all year that they can make big saves and show up for us in big moments. It’s really nice for our team that, no matter who’s playing, we have full confidence in them. And we know we need to play harder in front of whoever it is (for Game 4).” Minnesota has also made goalie changes this series. John Hynes started Jesper Wallstedt in Game 1, then went to Filip Gustavsson after Wallstedt allowed eight goals in that game. He went back to Wallstedt in Game 3, and the rookie rewarded him with a strong performance. Colorado could also get reinforcements on defense. Josh Manson, who has been out since the Kings series with an upper-body injury, is available for tonight, Bednar said. He will presumably slot in for Nick Blankenburg. “You’re looking at a big, strong bottom-six in Minny that protects the puck really well,” Bednar said. “The size and physicality and the ability to close plays out and get you in and out of your zone a little quicker is, for me, the most beneficial thing he can bring for us.” Bednar also said depth forward Joel Kiviranta (undisclosed injury) is an option for Game 4. Cale Makar missed morning skate, but Bednar said it was for maintenance. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms