Avalanche’s MacKenzie Blackwood to start Game 4 against Wild

A big change in the lineup for the Presidents’ Trophy winners.

It was announced that Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood would be getting the start for Game 4 of the Central Division Final against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night.

The move comes after a tough outing for Scott Wedgewood in Game 3 on Saturday night. The 33-year-old allowed three goals on 12 shots in a 5-1 defeat. Despite the Avalanche leading the series, 2-1, head coach Jared Bednar decided it was time for a change.

Wedgewood had started the first seven games of Colorado’s run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After playing exceptionally in an opening-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings, the veteran has given up 11 goals on 79 shots in the first three games against the Wild, six of which came in the team’s chaotic victory in Game 1.

Blackwood came in relief of Wedgewood on Saturday, allowing a goal on 13 shots. It was his first action since April 14. Thanks to an early-season injury, the 29-year-old played the 1B role behind Wedgewood during the regular season, making 36 starts to Wedgewood’s 43. Blackwood posted a record of 23-10-2, with a 2.51 goals-against average, a .904 save percentage and three shutouts. While his numbers weren’t as grand as they were in his first season in Denver, Blackwood played well enough to help the Avs finish with the best record in the NHL.

It was Blackwood who played all seven games for Colorado during last year’s first-round series against the Dallas Stars, the first postseason experience of the Thunder Bay, Ont. native’s NHL career. He registered a 2.71 GAA, a .892 SV% and one shutout, as the Avs were eliminated in a thrilling seven-game series.

Puck drop for Game 4 in St. Paul is scheduled for a little after 8 p.m. ET.