Colorado Avalanche change goalie for Game 3 playoff loss

The Colorado Avalanche made a goalie change in Game 3 of their playoff series, pulling Scott Wedgewood after he allowed 3 goals. This is the first goalie change of their postseason.
By Newsroom | Sports, Hockey |

Coaching Staff Contemplating Roster Shifts Following Game 3 Stumble

The Colorado Avalanche are reportedly grappling with a critical decision in net. In the midst of their current second-round playoff series, Scott Wedgewood was pulled from Game 3 on Saturday night after allowing three goals to the Minnesota Wild. This marked the first time this postseason the team has opted for a goaltending change. Mackenzie Blackwood, whose last game action was on April 14th, entered the game in Wedgewood's stead.

The team’s strategic adjustments in goal underscore a significant goaltending quandary — one that comes at a particularly precarious moment in their playoff run. Coach Jared Bednar's insistence on utilizing both goaltenders prior to the postseason now faces its most significant test. This development follows a pattern of past instances where Wedgewood has been pulled due to performance, including a notable game against the Carolina Hurricanes last October where he surrendered four goals on 11 shots in the first period, leading to his early exit and a subsequent shootout loss for the Avalanche.

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Questions Swirl Around Future Matchups

The team's performance on Saturday saw them fall to the Wild, a game where Wedgewood made nine saves before being replaced. The specifics of Wedgewood's performance in Game 3—allowing three goals on an unspecified number of shots—have fueled speculation about his immediate future in the series. This situation presents a stark contrast to earlier in the season, where Wedgewood was credited with consistently "bailing out" the Avalanche and was even identified by some observers, like former defenseman Erik Johnson, as the likely starter for the playoffs.

Background context reveals that the Avalanche have had to navigate goaltending changes before. In a game against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 24, 2025, Trent Miner stepped in for an underperforming Wedgewood and delivered a strong performance, stopping all 20 shots he faced. This instance highlights the potential for secondary goaltenders to significantly impact game outcomes when the primary choice falters. The team's previous coach, John Hynes, also made goaltending switches during the postseason, notably opting for Filip Gustavsson in Game 2 after an opening game loss.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Colorado Avalanche change goalies during Game 3 against the Minnesota Wild?
Goalie Scott Wedgewood was pulled from Game 3 after allowing three goals. This was the first time the team changed goalies during this postseason.
Q: Who replaced Scott Wedgewood in Game 3?
Mackenzie Blackwood entered the game to replace Scott Wedgewood. Blackwood had not played since April 14th.
Q: What does this goalie change mean for the Colorado Avalanche in the playoffs?
This goalie change shows the team is facing a difficult decision in net at a critical time in their playoff run. Coach Jared Bednar has used both goalies, and this situation tests that strategy.
Q: Has the Colorado Avalanche had goalie issues before?
Yes, in October 2025, Trent Miner replaced an underperforming Wedgewood and stopped all 20 shots he faced against the Carolina Hurricanes. Coach John Hynes also made goalie switches in past postseasons.