I think Game 3 was how most people thought this entire series was going to go. Two Western Conference powerhouses trading goals and never truly knowing which way any of the games was going to go.
Minnesota cam out strong to give Colorado a 1-0 hole to dig out of in the first period. On the power play, naturally. Special teams have been a big part of this series and have caused some serious momentum shifts.
The Wild need to be the determined and, quite frankly, desperate team we saw in Game 3 to extend this series past Wednesday night. Special teams will again be key for Minnesota. The Wild were one for four with the man advantage on Monday night.
Minnesota also needs to get more production from Marcus Folingo, Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello. In four games, the three have combined for 3 goals and 4 assists.
Colorado’s decision to start Mackenzie Blackwood over Scott Wedgewood paid off. Blackwood was able to make 19 saves off of 21 shots in Game 4. His stats in Game 4 has given him the green light to start for Colorado again in Game 5.
The Avalanche dominated shots on net, putting up double digit shots in every period and only allowing Minnesota 21 shots in the game. The Avalanche will need to continue to bring the offensive pressure like they did in Game 4 if they hope to end the series and rest as they await the winner of the Anaheim/Vegas series.
