Full Breakdown
Avalanche Faces Goaltending Decision After Game 3 Loss
5/11/2026, 1:11:39 AM
Game 3 Outcome and Goaltending Change
The Colorado Avalanche fell 5-1 to the Minnesota Wild in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 9, 2026, at the Casino Arena. Jared Bednar pulled starter Scott Wedgewood after three goals on 12 shots and replaced him with backup Mackenzie Blackwood, who stopped 12 of 13 shots. Bednar said a starter must be chosen for Game 4.
Season Context and Statistics
Colorado entered the playoffs as the seed with a 121-point (55-16-11) record. The “Lumber Yard” tandem paired Wedgewood (31-6-6, 2.02 GAA, .921 SV%) and Blackwood (23-10-2). Colorado swept Los Angeles Kings and won Games 1 and 2 against Minnesota before the Game 3 loss. Game 3 ended 5-1; Wedgewood gave up three goals on 12 shots, Blackwood allowed one on 13. Colorado controlled 56 % of 5-on-5 shots and 74 % in the second period, with 36 shots. The Wild scored in multiple situations, while Avalanche held a 6-5 high-danger chance edge without scoring.
Official Statements & Criticism
Bednar said Wedgewood “was playing hard” but “looked a little too aggressive,” prompting the pull. He called Blackwood a “rested guy we trust” who could “spark the group.” Blackwood said he stays ready for call-up, aiming to “do the best you can, help your team and cheer on other guy.” Nelson emphasized better puck possession and more chances. Analysts noted the goalie change “didn’t work as Bednar had hoped,” citing a 19-13 out-shot disparity despite a high-danger chance edge.
On-the-Ground Reports and Gaps
Nelson called for “more possessive” play in the offensive zone. Blackwood noted the unpredictability of goaltending, saying “you never know when a goalie could come in.” Sources differ on Wedgewood’s regular-season record (Field Level Media: 31-6-1; ESPN: 31-6-6) and save percentage (.902 vs .921). Blackwood’s regular-season save percentage is not provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ll have a decision to make, but there’s a decision to make every night,” — Jared Bednar, Avalanche head coach
- “I thought that Wedgie was playing hard, and I think maybe he looked a little too aggressive on a couple of those,” — Jared Bednar, Avalanche head coach
- “You never know [when a goalie could come in]. I've seen games where they score on the first three shots of the game and then nothing the rest of the night,” — Mackenzie Blackwood, Avalanche goaltender
- “We have to find ways to be more possessive with the puck, sustain a little bit more in the O-zone, and generate a few more chances,” — Brock Nelson, Avalanche forward
What’s Next
The Avalanche must select a starter for Game 4 on May 11, weighing Wedgewood’s regular-season record against Blackwood’s performance. The choice will shape defensive stability and line configurations as the series continues.
