Game Recap: Avalanche Storm Past Wild in Thrilling Game 4
In a gripping Game 4 showdown, the Colorado Avalanche outlasted the Minnesota Wild with a tight 4-3 victory. This win puts the Avalanche ahead 3-1 in the series, placing them just one game away from advancing to the next round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. For the Wild, the pressure intensifies as they look to stave off elimination in the upcoming match.
How the Game Unfolded
Right from the drop of the puck, both teams showcased their determination. The first period saw a flurry of activity, with Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon striking first, slipping a backhand shot past Wild goaltender Marc-André Fleury just 5 minutes in. Minnesota responded, with Kevin Fiala equalizing shortly after, showcasing his potent offensive skills.
The second period shifted noticeably in favor of the Avalanche; they dominated the play, outshooting the Wild and keeping the pressure relentless. Mikko Rantanen found the back of the net, followed by an electrifying power-play goal by Cale Makar. Fleury had moments where he flashed brilliance, but the offensive onslaught proved overwhelming.
Minnesota found their rhythm in the final frame, triggering a surge that trimmed the deficit. A dramatic goal by Mats Zuccarello narrowed the score to 4-3 with just minutes remaining, reigniting hope in the Wild faithful. However, despite desperate attempts, Minnesota couldn’t capitalize on their momentum, and a strong performance by Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper stood tall.
Turning Points and Key Sequences
The two-goal cushion provided by Makar’s power-play goal served as a turning point, shifting the momentum decisively in favor of Colorado. Minnesota’s penalty kill struggled against Colorado’s power play — an issue that could not be overlooked.
Wild head coach Dean Evason’s decision to juggle lines during the second period didn’t yield the desired outcomes, as the Avalanche continued to dictate the tempo. The 3-1 score that followed Makar’s goal forced Evason to be more aggressive, which ultimately led to their narrow score in the final moments rather than sustained pressure throughout the game.
The Avalanche’s ability to respond after Fenway’s pivotal goal underscored their resilience. Instead of folding under pressure, they dug in their heels, demonstrating why they are favorites in the series.
Standout Performances
Nathan MacKinnon was the standout for Colorado, not only opening the scoring but also consistently generating opportunities with his speed and skill. Darcy Kuemper’s performance in net was critical, even as he faced a barrage of shots. He made 28 saves, several of which came in clutch moments late in the game.
For Minnesota, Mats Zuccarello proved his worth with a goal and an assist, while Kevin Fiala consistently pushed the pace, becoming a focal point in the Wild’s offense. Fleury’s 23 saves provided moments of hope, but ultimately, his efforts were not enough to secure the win.
Series or Playoff Context
This victory now puts the Avalanche at a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. With a potential closeout game looming, they hold the advantage of being one win away from advancing to the second round. The Wild, however, will have to dig deep to reverse the tide and reclaim home-ice advantage in Game 5.
The pressure is palpable for Minnesota, as they seek to avoid playoff elimination. Changing the momentum back in their favor will require strategic adjustments, particularly on special teams—where their penalty kill has been exploited during this series.
What Comes Next
The teams head back to Minnesota for Game 5, set for Friday, April 22. It’ll be a crucial matchup, placing all the pressure on the Wild’s shoulders as they battle to extend their season. Key questions remain: Will they be able to overcome their struggles on the power play? Can Fleury elevate his game to stifle the Avalanche’s offense?
As the tension mounts, one thought lingers: What adjustment should the Wild focus on before Game 5?
