Blackwood Steps In as Avalanche Fight Back

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar shocks the world by starting backup goalie Mackenzie Blackwood in Game Four of the Western Conference Final — just his third playoff start — as the team teeters on elimination. With the pressure of a three-games-to-none deficit and a Stanley Cup dream hanging by a thread, Bednar’s message to Blackwood is simple: play loose, don’t carry the weight, and trust the team. He’s betting that Blackwood’s freedom to enjoy the game — and his recent road win against Minnesota — could spark a turnaround. This isn’t desperation, but a strategic gamble to unlock a new energy, with Bednar confident in both goalies but believing Blackwood’s mindset shift might be the key to turning the tide. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/980087120de5891a