10 Takeaways: Bednar Has a Goaltending Decision To Make For Game 4

May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson (90) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) battle for position in front of goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Goaltending has been a story to follow since the opening game of the series last week saw 15 combined goals between the two clubs. We’re just three games into it, and we’ve now seen all four netminders on the ice.

Colorado Avalanche’s Scott Wedgewood got the nod for the seventh consecutive game in the postseason, but he was yanked after giving up three goals on 12 shots. Mackenzie Blackwood entered the crease having not played in nearly a month. His last game was on April 14, when he started the 81st regular season game.

Now Jared Bednar has a decision to make, but he said that’s been par for the course all throughout the playoffs. Bednar has continued to stress that he doesn’t have a starter and a backup this season. He has a tandem and has trusted one or the other — or both — at different points this season.

Still, it’ll be interesting to see which way he goes on Monday. On one hand, getting Wedgewood out of there so quickly allows him to reset and get some rest before starting again in Game 4. But on the other hand, it also gives Blackwood a chance to shake off some rust before potentially starting a, to put it lightly, highly important game.