Postgame: Avalanche Push Minnesota To Brink Following Dominant Game 4 Triumph

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche are one game away from the Western Conference Final. After falling behind by a goal on Monday, Colorado bounced back to beat the Minnesota Wild 5-2 in Game 4 at Grand Casino Arena, shifting the series back to Denver with a commanding 3-1 series lead. It was the exact type of response the team needed following a Game 3 loss.

“For me, the biggest change from last game to this game is we were a more determined group,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “To a man, just more determined and committed to playing the right way. I didn’t hate our details last game but I thought that we got outcompeted in that game a little bit.

Tonight we kind of swung it back in our favor and guys went to work. Relentless all over the rink — we just looked quicker. ” Nazem Kadri, Ross Colton, and Parker Kelly scored for the Avs, who got two past Wild netminder Jesper Wallstedt in the third period.

Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson added empty netters, and Martin Necas had two assists. The Avalanche gave the nod to Mackenzie Blackwood in goal, and he had an incredible performance. He didn’t see a lot of shots in the first half of the game, but finished the night with 19 saves as Colorado had a 34-21 shot advantage.