Preview: Minnesota Looks to Even Series with Colorado in Game 4 of NHL Playoffs
On Monday, May 12, the Minnesota Wild will host the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of their playoff series. After a dominant 5-1 win in Game 3, the home team aims to build on that success and even the series, which Colorado currently leads 2-1.
Main Event
In the early hours of Tuesday, May 13, Moscow time, the fourth game of the second-round NHL playoff series between the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche will take place at the Grand Casino arena in St. Paul. Following a decisive 5-1 home victory in Game 3, Minnesota will attempt to tie the series, which Colorado leads 2-1. The puck drops at 2:00 AM Moscow time, with a live broadcast scheduled in the HOME OF HOCKEY community on VK.
Details and Statistics
Bookmakers characterize the upcoming matchup as a highly tense contest with a slight edge for the visitors. The odds for a Colorado win in regulation are 2.30, while a Minnesota win is priced at 2.60. When including potential overtime, the chances are nearly mirrored: 1.80 for an Avalanche victory versus 2.00 for the Wild. Experts give Colorado a 78% probability of advancing to the next round (odds 1.22), while Minnesota's comeback is rated at just 22% (4.34).
The main storyline of the game is the goaltending duel. Minnesota head coach John Hynes confirmed that Jesper Wallstedt will again guard the net, having stopped 34 of 35 shots in Game 3. The coaching staff's decision seems logical: the Swedish goaltender fully redeemed himself after allowing nine goals in the series opener. Hynes stated after Game 3: "I had no doubt he would bounce back—it's part of his character. He's a competitor and confident in himself. He proved once again that the moment isn't too big for him."
In the Colorado camp, the situation is the opposite. After pulling Scott Wedgewood at 3:07 of the second period (three goals on 12 shots), head coach Jared Bednar has yet to name a starting goaltender. "We'll have a decision, but you have to make decisions every night. Some are easier than others," the coach said evasively. Mackenzie Blackwood, who came in relief, also failed to keep the net clean, allowing a goal just 20 seconds after entering the game.
Minnesota's offense currently looks the best in the playoffs—36 goals in nine games, first in scoring. Kirill Kaprizov leads the attack with 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists), topping the playoff scoring race. Defenseman Quinn Hughes has 13 points, while forward Matthew Boldy leads the team with 7 goals.
For Colorado, it's vital to improve their penalty kill. In Game 3, the penalty-killing units failed twice, allowing the home team to capitalize on the power play. Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog acknowledged: "We didn't start well enough, and the penalty kill had breakdowns. We need a short memory—learn from it and move on."
Context and Significance
Game 3 was a turning point for several reasons. Minnesota not only secured their first win of the series but also snapped Colorado's six-game playoff winning streak. The Avalanche faced a deficit of two or more goals for the first time in this postseason—prior to this, they had never lost by a large margin.
The Wild are expected to welcome back center Joel Eriksson Ek, who was recovering from an injury. His presence should bolster the second line. Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin also returned to the ice, having been noticeably absent in previous games.
Minnesota's home record in the playoffs is strong—3 wins and 1 loss. However, Colorado has won 6 of their last 7 playoff and regular-season games, and has beaten Minnesota in 3 of their last 4 head-to-head meetings.
The physical aspect is also telling. Minnesota leads the playoffs in hits (313) and blocked shots (146), reflecting an extremely physical style. Wild forward Ryan Hartman emphasized: "We need to keep doing what we're doing physically. They'll try to respond, and we have to be ready for that."
What's Next / Preview of the Next Game
If Minnesota can protect home ice and even the series, the teams will return to Denver for Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, Moscow time (overnight Wednesday to Thursday). Game 6, if necessary, will be in Minnesota on May 15, and the decisive Game 7 on May 17 in Colorado.
Over/under bets point to a high-scoring game: experts expect around 6 goals, with odds on over 6.5 and under 6.5 nearly even. In three of the last four playoff games involving these teams, the over has hit.
The winner of this series will face the winner of the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks matchup in the Western Conference Final. Game 4 could be a pivotal moment in the series: if Colorado wins and takes a 3-1 lead, the series will likely end in their favor (78% probability). If Minnesota evens the series, the home-ice advantage Colorado earned in the regular season will be completely neutralized.
— Editorial Team
