Avalanche Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Wild in Game 4

Colorado defeated Minnesota 5–2 in Game 4 of a second-round series at Grand Casino Arena, extending the Avalanche’s lead to 3-1. Colorado’s goals came from Ross Colton, Parker Kelly (game-winner), Nazem Kadri (power-play) and empty-netters Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson. Minnesota’s goals were scored by Danila Yurov and Nico Sturm. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, making his postseason start, stopped 19 of 21 shots.

Avalanche bounce back to beat Wild in Game 4, take 3-1 series lead

Colorado entered the game after leading the NHL in regular-season goals and posting the league’s best record. The Avalanche scored 14 goals in the first two games, then fell 5–1 in Game 3, a loss that featured a shutout by Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. The series stood at 2-1 before Game 4, and Colorado aimed to halt the scoring lull.

Avalanche bounce back to beat Wild in Game 4, take 3-1 series leadESPNAvalanche use big third period to take commanding 3-1 series lead over Wild – Denver SportsAvalanche claw their way back in Game 4, topple Wild to claim 3-1 series leadAvalanche bounce back to beat Wild and take 3-1 series leadRecap: Avs take 3-1 series lead after hard-earned victory over MinnyKelly's First-Career Playoff Goal is the Game Winner as Avalanche Defeats Wild 5-2 in Game Four to Take 3-1 Series Lead

Ross Colton opened Colorado’s scoring in the third period; Parker Kelly added the game-winner, his first playoff goal. Nazem Kadri tied the game on a power play, and Nathan MacKinnon returned after treating a bloody nose to score an empty-net goal, with Brock Nelson adding the second empty-net marker. Danila Yurov gave Minnesota an early lead and Nico Sturm tied the game in the third. Colorado’s top defensemen were Devon Toews and Cale Makar; Minnesota relied on Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber.

Avalanche use big third period to take commanding 3-1 series lead over Wild – Denver Sports

The Avalanche logged 66 shot attempts, 34 on goal, shooting 14.7 % (5-2). Minnesota had 59 attempts and 21 shots on goal, shooting 9.5 % (2-5). Colorado won 35 of 65 faceoffs (53.8 %) and captured 61.9 % of defensive-zone draws; Brock Nelson led with a 66.7 % draw rate (16-24). Avalanche power-play time was 2:07 for one goal; the Wild spent 6:39 shorthanded without conceding. Blackwood stopped 19 of 21 shots (.905).

Avalanche claw their way back in Game 4, topple Wild to claim 3-1 series lead

Colorado needs one more win to reach the Western Conference finals and can aim to close the series at Ball Arena in Denver. The win lifts the Avalanche’s playoff record to 7-1 and showcases their balanced defense and high-volume shooting. Minnesota must win each remaining game to stay alive, increasing pressure on the Wild to adjust.

Avalanche claw their way back in Game 4, topple Wild to claim 3-1 series lead

Coach Jared Bednar praised Blackwood’s preparation and execution. Captain Gabe Landeskog said the team delivered the response they sought and kept belief after the Wild tied the game. Forward Parker Kelly stressed staying ready. Blackwood noted the difficulty of returning after a long break and his focus on sharpness. Wild head coach John Hynes said Minnesota did not play the style needed to win.

Avalanche bounce back to beat Wild and take 3-1 series lead

Wild forward Michael McCarron called defenseman Josh Manson a “dirty player” after Manson received a double-minor for a stick-butt infraction. Coach Hynes also criticized the team’s execution, noting the inability to play the required style.

Recap: Avs take 3-1 series lead after hard-earned victory over Minny

"He was great." — Jared Bednar, Avalanche Head Coach

Kelly's First-Career Playoff Goal is the Game Winner as Avalanche Defeats Wild 5-2 in Game Four to Take 3-1 Series Lead

"That's exactly what we were looking for… we were looking for a response." — Gabe Landeskog, Avalanche captain

Recap: Avs take 3-1 series lead after hard-earned victory over Minny

"It’s just about staying ready." — Parker Kelly, Avalanche forward

Avalanche bounce back to beat Wild and take 3-1 series lead

"The style of game that we needed to play to win the game, we didn’t." — John Hynes, Wild head coach

Avalanche bounce back to beat Wild and take 3-1 series lead