The Colorado Avalanche are set to face off against the Minnesota Wild for Game 4 of their Western Conference Second Round series tonight at 8 p.m. ET. Currently, Colorado leads the best-of-seven matchup 2-1, making this game crucial for both teams.
Game Preview and Team Updates
In a pivotal moment for the Avalanche, they might turn to Mackenzie Blackwood for his first start of the postseason, although the team has yet to confirm its goaltender. There is good news on the injury front as defenseman Josh Manson skated today and could make his return after missing four games due to an upper-body issue. Cale Makar, who sat out the morning skate for maintenance, is expected to play, providing a significant boost to Colorado’s defense. Additionally, forward Joel Kiviranta is back after missing five games, but his status for tonight’s game remains uncertain.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Wild are anticipated to maintain the same lineup that secured a commanding 5-1 victory in Game 3. Although forward Joel Eriksson Ek is progressing in his recovery, he will not be available for this matchup. Defenseman Jonas Brodin is also expected to remain out as he continues to recover from injury.
Here’s a closer look at the projected lineups for both teams:
Avalanche Projected Lineup:
– Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas; Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin; Ross Colton — Nazem Kadri — Nicolas Roy; Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’Connor
– Defense: Devon Toews — Cale Makar; Brett Kulak — Sam Malinski; Josh Manson — Brent Burns
– Goaltenders: Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood
– Scratched: Joel Kiviranta, Nick Blankenburg, Zakhar Bardakov, Isak Posch, Jack Ahcan
– Injured: None
Wild Projected Lineup:
– Forwards: Marcus Johansson — Danila Yurov — Matt Boldy; Kirill Kaprizov — Ryan Hartman — Mats Zuccarello; Yakov Trenin — Michael McCarron — Vladimir Tarasenko; Marcus Foligno — Nico Sturm — Nick Foligno
– Defense: Quinn Hughes — Brock Faber; Daemon Hunt — Jared Spurgeon; Jake Middleton — Zach Bogosian
– Goaltenders: Jesper Wallstedt, Filip Gustavsson
– Scratched: Robby Fabbri, Hunter Haight, Matt Kiersted, Bobby Brink, Calvin Petersen, Jeff Petry
– Injured: Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body), Jonas Brodin (lower body)
With both teams making strategic adjustments and battling injuries, fans are in for an exciting game tonight. Will Colorado extend their series lead, or can Minnesota even the score? Tune in to find out!