The Colorado Avalanche were punched in the mouth in Game Three against the Minnesota Wild in a disappointing 5-1 defeat. Saturday night’s matchup came after a long break in this series, which benefited the home side.

The Avalanche looked to keep throwing the punches as they had all playoffs long. But being punched wasn’t too kind for the Avs.

View From the Mountaintop

For the first time all playoffs long, Colorado faced a setback. This game was a struggle from the get-go, with Minnesota throwing the body and controlling much of the play. It ultimately led them to jump out to a 3-0 lead and never look back. They put the pressure on the Avalanche, who did not have much of a response. Despite outshooting the Wild, they didn’t have many high-danger opportunities to challenge a well-rested and determined Jesper Wallstedt.


If there are any positives to take away for Colorado, it’s the way their goal was scored and how they gave up all their goals. Their 5-on-5 play is still superior, as they didn’t give up a goal at even strength on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon scored on the power play. But that’s where the positives end. Giving up two goals on the power play, another on a delayed penalty, and the fourth at 4-on-4 pretty easily was far from ideal. It eventually chased Scott Wedgewood, who gave up three goals on just 13 shots. Mackenzie Blackwood’s first playoff appearance this season seemed a little shaky, but he wrapped up with 12 saves.


For the first time in these playoffs, the Avs got punched in the mouth. Coming into this game, they had only trailed for 4:30 in the entire playoffs. After trailing for most of this game, they had no response and now find themselves in a predicament in this series. How the team responds will be crucial. Will Jared Bednar go back to Wedgewood or rely on Blackwood going forward? In addition, how can he get his offense to find its legs again? However, a crucial component they have now, which they didn’t have before, is Landeskog’s captaincy. His cool, calm, and collected spirit will hopefully ground his team. Hopefully, he will be able to help guide the Avalanche back in the right direction after this detour.

Up Next

Game Four will take place on Monday night. Puck drop is at 6:00 p.m. MT with Colorado looking to rebound at a crucial point in the series.