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  • 2 days ago
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00:00:00Not officially had a shot on net in the last 17 minutes.
00:00:05And Natchez escapes here with McKinnon to his left.
00:00:08McKinnon leans in, drives the net.
00:00:10Faber knocks the puck off his stick
00:00:14and knocks the stick out of his hands in the process as well.
00:00:20Boldy drops, but the takeaway by Natchez.
00:00:23Calmly out to Taves.
00:00:25And now McKinnon with room through center.
00:00:29Pitchforks it deep.
00:00:31Minnesota, I think, wanted an icing call.
00:00:33Instead, Quinn Hughes the outlet.
00:00:37Getting tripped up and looking at the officials was Caprissac.
00:00:40Caprissac got tripped up by Makar.
00:00:42He wanted a call for interference.
00:00:44Instead, it's Kulak racing through center.
00:00:46Tape to tape across the line.
00:00:48Logan O'Connor couldn't control the puck.
00:00:49And now Sturm turns the opposite direction.
00:00:52Too many on Colorado.
00:00:54Too many men.
00:00:56So it'll be a bench finder that will give Minnesota a much-needed power play.
00:01:03Unless both teams are going to lose a man.
00:01:05Colorado, too many men.
00:01:06Yes.
00:01:07Both penalty box doors are open, but only one penalty was called.
00:01:12Minnesota's going to go on the power play when we return.
00:01:15But Colorado ties the game on the power play.
00:01:17It's Kadri with two cracks at it.
00:01:20It's 1-1 here in St. Paul.
00:01:22Kadri said, hey, hey, what's your name, baby?
00:01:28Maybe we're...
00:01:31Minnesota's going to get a chance on the power play.
00:01:33Ross Colton serving this penalty for too many men on the ice.
00:01:37Watch right side of your screen.
00:01:39Burns gets on.
00:01:40Makar is not off yet.
00:01:42And then Jaume Bear, the referee, who's skating up.
00:01:44And he thinks just for a second about calling this, thinking about it, thinking about it.
00:01:49And then he calls it.
00:01:52The Avs bench didn't like it.
00:01:53Jared Bednar didn't like it.
00:01:54But nonetheless, the Wilder are going to get a chance to get their second power play goal of the game
00:01:59and take the lead here.
00:02:03Again, they were 0 for 5 in games 1 and 2 on the power play.
00:02:08But 2 for 3 in game number 3, already with a power play goal tonight.
00:02:15Only 4 shots on net.
00:02:17And really, that power play that resulted in the Danilo Uroff redirect goal, the only legit scoring chance it seems
00:02:24Minnesota has had.
00:02:25They have not tested Mackenzie Blackwood outside of that power play at all.
00:02:29Not at all.
00:02:30And they need this because they haven't had anything going on in this second period.
00:02:35Hughes sets it up towards the net.
00:02:36Missed the stick of the lurking Hartman in front.
00:02:40Boldy.
00:02:42With that backhand pass that eluded Hughes.
00:02:49Zuccarello looks over his shoulder.
00:02:53Hughes with the double drop.
00:02:56Boldy gains the zone.
00:02:58On to the stick of Burns for the easy clear.
00:03:05Already the first 35 seconds killed off by Colorado.
00:03:09Quinn Hughes once again drops.
00:03:11Boldy once again carries.
00:03:12Once again, it's Burns to make the play at the blue line.
00:03:16Really good job by Burns.
00:03:17He holds his gap.
00:03:19Knows he needs to stay on the line to shut that play down.
00:03:21And does exactly that on the entry.
00:03:23Now Kaprizov for the chance to set things up.
00:03:26Wound around the boards by Hartman.
00:03:28Burns meets Zuccarello in the corner.
00:03:30Burns tries to clear.
00:03:32Blocked by Zuccarello.
00:03:33Allowing the retrieval and the reversal by Hartman.
00:03:36On the near side though.
00:03:37Anticipating and clearing Logan O'Connor.
00:03:43Proud getting a little frustrated.
00:03:4545 seconds to go on this power play for Minnesota.
00:03:47Colorado's just completely standing the line and not allowing Minnesota to enter.
00:03:52Johansson across.
00:03:54Kaprizov puts on the brakes.
00:03:56Uroff plays catch back and forth with Hughes.
00:03:58Scoops it down low.
00:04:00Kaprizov back to Uroff.
00:04:02Now it's Hughes.
00:04:03One timer.
00:04:04Save made by Blackwood.
00:04:07Uroff was set up by Hughes.
00:04:09And Blackwood was ready.
00:04:11The Colorado penalty kill has done a heck of a job on this penalty kill.
00:04:16Standing the blue line.
00:04:17This is the first time the Wild come in clean.
00:04:20And they get set up and they get a look.
00:04:22Look at Johansson.
00:04:23Parked out right in front of the net.
00:04:24The puck's going to go up to the top and they're going to get a look.
00:04:27That's their first real good opportunity on the flank on the one-timer.
00:04:31But Colorado's really jammed Minnesota up from entering.
00:04:34First shot on net for Minnesota in nearly 19 minutes.
00:04:38And Manson has time to kill.
00:04:42Spins it all the way down the ice.
00:04:4515 seconds to go on the power play for Brock Faber.
00:04:53Johansson picks up the puck.
00:04:55Gets to the red line.
00:04:57Reverses it around.
00:04:59Tarasenko skates onto it.
00:05:01Johansson stuffs it out in front.
00:05:03Nachushkin the takeaway.
00:05:04Colton out of the box.
00:05:05And Nachushkin almost spotted him.
00:05:08Colton long wrist shot wide all the way around the boards and out.
00:05:11Nachushkin had Colton coming out of the box.
00:05:13He didn't see him until the last second.
00:05:15Colton would have had a breakaway.
00:05:17Colton with speed.
00:05:18Drops one off.
00:05:20Further intended for Nachushkin.
00:05:21That was broken up.
00:05:22Now Trinian to Boldy.
00:05:24Those two crisscross.
00:05:25Boldy on Kulak.
00:05:26Boldy puts it right through the blue paint.
00:05:32Landisgog the other way with speed.
00:05:33Nice back check though.
00:05:35Turned back by McCarron.
00:05:38Natchez was in all alone.
00:05:39Heck of a stick by McCarron to break up the play.
00:05:42Natchez feeds McCarron.
00:05:43Plenty of speed back on the ice now after the penalty killed off by Colorado.
00:05:48Boldy looks ahead.
00:05:49And just lops one.
00:05:50Alley-oops it.
00:05:51All the way down to the Colorado line.
00:05:53It's punched into the offensive zone by McCarron.
00:05:56He collides with Tabes.
00:05:58It pops free.
00:05:59And here comes McCarron.
00:06:01Kale McCarron.
00:06:02Across the line with the drop to Natchez.
00:06:06Support from Landisgog.
00:06:08McKinnon's submarines.
00:06:09He's got it behind the net.
00:06:11Oh, a net save made by Volstead on Landisgog.
00:06:17Rolling puck.
00:06:18Ashawn uses the support of Burns.
00:06:21He and Nick Foligno meet in the right wing corner.
00:06:25Natchezgog.
00:06:26Double-teamed.
00:06:27Protects the puck.
00:06:28Creates some space.
00:06:29Sets up Ashawn.
00:06:31Ashawn down to the goal line.
00:06:33Written off the puck nicely by Faber.
00:06:36Five and a half minutes to go in the second period.
00:06:38Tied at one.
00:06:40The one-one tie somewhat misleading.
00:06:42This game, from a territorial standpoint and a chances standpoint, has been dominated by the avalanche.
00:06:49Faber.
00:06:49Point-to-point it goes.
00:06:51The pirouette by Quinn Hughes.
00:06:53Wraps it deep.
00:06:54Behind the net, Nick Foligno.
00:06:56Plays it back up top to Faber.
00:06:58Faber looking for a shooting lane.
00:07:00Wrist shot blocked in front.
00:07:01Looking for the puck.
00:07:02Trying to cover as Blackwood.
00:07:03He ends up tumbling into his own net.
00:07:06The puck still loose to the corner.
00:07:08Gathered in by Hartman.
00:07:10Hughes now with room.
00:07:12Wrist shot.
00:07:12Save Blackwood for traffic.
00:07:14Ashawn the outlet.
00:07:16Macushkin after the puck.
00:07:18Hughes, though, able to cut him off.
00:07:20That's Minnesota's best five-on-five shift of the period.
00:07:24Just missed under Blackwood.
00:07:25He was on his back.
00:07:26The puck was floating around.
00:07:28Minnesota got a ton off that first chance in the crease.
00:07:35Spurgeon tosses it cross-corner.
00:07:37Yoel Kibiranta.
00:07:38The outlet to Kelly.
00:07:39The one-touch lead for Drury.
00:07:40And now the return.
00:07:43Spurgeon hops over the top of Drury.
00:07:45Drury the first to the puck.
00:07:46But it's turned back now by Kaprizov.
00:07:48Off the skates of Parker Kelly.
00:07:50And Kelly with a shiver to the back of Kaprizov.
00:07:53And he will sit.
00:07:58Parker Kelly frustrated.
00:08:00And he's in the box slamming the door.
00:08:0217.
00:08:03Might have finally cross-checked.
00:08:06Parker Kelly doesn't like it.
00:08:08But he's going to sit for two for the cross-check on Kaprizov.
00:08:11And the Minnesota power play will get another chance to take a lead.
00:08:15And then at the other end, Blackwood with his best sequence of the period.
00:08:19Fighting this off.
00:08:20It's still 1-1 here in St. Paul.
00:08:29Now it's time for tonight's winning ingredients.
00:08:31Brought to you by Chipotle.
00:08:32And the key ingredient to the Minnesota Wild being in this hockey game is yes for Volstead.
00:08:38He has made save after save, especially in the second period when the Colorado onslaught has been on.
00:08:44And his best is right here.
00:08:45Nick Schuchkin walking down Broadway in the kick save.
00:08:48And here's the goal.
00:08:49He makes the first save.
00:08:50Nate just wins the battle and finds Kadri.
00:08:53And then he gets off his angle.
00:08:55But Volstead has been outstanding in the second period for the Minnesota Wild.
00:08:59And the Wild will get a chance on the power play here to get their lead.
00:09:03Anything you're changing schematically for Minnesota's power play to just get more space?
00:09:07Colorado wants to pressure, right?
00:09:09They want to be aggressive.
00:09:10Minnesota struggled to enter until really the last 15 to 20 seconds of their last power play.
00:09:16Look for them to maybe just chip and chase and not go in if they can't get the clean entry.
00:09:21Well, they get the clean faceoff win here.
00:09:22And Hughes sets things up.
00:09:24Hughes dangles.
00:09:26Straight away now with Zuccarello.
00:09:30To the flank and Kaprizov pressured by Nick Schuchkin.
00:09:34Boldy zips it rink wide.
00:09:36Down to the goal line.
00:09:37Zuccarello tried to find the cut in Kaprizov.
00:09:39Loose between the dots and cleared by Nelson.
00:09:51Hughes with the drop.
00:09:52Let's see if Boldy can enter the zone.
00:09:55Across the line to Kaprizov.
00:09:57They do get things set up.
00:10:01Room for Hartman to operate.
00:10:03Moved across to Zuccarello.
00:10:05Down to the goal line.
00:10:06A quick one-touch return.
00:10:07Boldy.
00:10:08Zuccarello back to Boldy.
00:10:10Boldy tried to lift one over the shoulder of Blackwood.
00:10:13That may have caught a piece of the crossbar.
00:10:15And went out of play.
00:10:17I think it did.
00:10:19And Colorado wants to take away the middle of the ice.
00:10:23Look at all that room for Boldy.
00:10:25And he has that angle.
00:10:26He just misses on the left side.
00:10:29Or that's going far down.
00:10:33What a try by Boldy on the angle.
00:10:35Blackwood really fortunate that doesn't find the back of the net.
00:10:41Not much space when the goaltender's 6'4".
00:10:43Even when he's down in the crouch.
00:10:45But Boldy almost found that sliver of space.
00:10:48And that's just a little rust for Blackwood, right?
00:10:50He hasn't played a ton.
00:10:51Wasn't on his angle there.
00:10:52He'll recognize that and try and make that not happen again.
00:10:56Because that hole was there for Boldy.
00:11:01The draw won by Colorado.
00:11:03And the clear by Manson.
00:11:05Half the power play gone.
00:11:09Zone entry successful the last time.
00:11:12Hughes does it himself.
00:11:13Hughes drives.
00:11:14Safe made by Blackwood.
00:11:15Thrown out in front.
00:11:16The rebound.
00:11:17Blocked by Nichushkin.
00:11:18It appeared on the try by Kaprizov and out of play.
00:11:25The Wild have been dropping the puck.
00:11:27But watch Hughes.
00:11:28Watch his feet.
00:11:29He fakes the drop right here.
00:11:30And then he keeps going.
00:11:31Which makes Manson gap up and lose his gap.
00:11:34He thinks that puck is being dropped.
00:11:36Hughes fakes him right out of his heels right there.
00:11:39Nelson gets faked.
00:11:40Manson gets faked.
00:11:41Hughes gets a great opportunity.
00:11:44It's the fake drop.
00:11:45Colorado's expecting the puck to come all the way back on the entry.
00:11:48Hughes takes it himself.
00:11:49Gets a great chance.
00:11:50Boldy wins the draw.
00:11:51Kaprizov a drive.
00:11:52Misses the net.
00:11:53And it's all the way around the boards and out.
00:11:56Logan O'Connor streaks to the loose puck.
00:11:58Drops it.
00:11:58Nelson shoots.
00:11:59That's partially blocked.
00:12:01And ends up going wide.
00:12:02Short-handed though.
00:12:03O'Connor has the puck.
00:12:05He is erased by Kaprizov who heads up ice.
00:12:10Boldy drops.
00:12:12Kaprizov across the line.
00:12:13The one touch guided by Hartman to Boldy.
00:12:15And he missed the net.
00:12:16All the way around the boards and out.
00:12:20The wild change up the power play group.
00:12:2313 seconds left on the power play.
00:12:25Brock Faber back to pick up the loose puck.
00:12:32Off the shin guards of Nachushkin.
00:12:34Rolls in on Blackwood.
00:12:35And we have a cover.
00:12:37The quest begins with the Buffalo Sabres.
00:12:41Believe in yourself.
00:12:42Believe in your teammate.
00:12:43Go behind the scenes with one team.
00:12:45It's all about this hunger.
00:12:46For each round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
00:12:49Quest for the Stanley Cup.
00:12:50Only on NHL YouTube.
00:12:54Only one shot on net on the power play so far.
00:12:58And that was Quinn Hughes.
00:13:00Quinn Hughes wanted to get off the ice to touch earlier.
00:13:03The bench was not ready for him coming off.
00:13:06He was yelling all the way back going to get that puck.
00:13:08He wanted to change and couldn't.
00:13:10Kelly out of the box.
00:13:13Another power play killed off by Colorado.
00:13:15After they failed on their first kill.
00:13:17They've been perfect since.
00:13:19Faber sets up Tarasenko.
00:13:22Shot blocked again.
00:13:23Landisgaard clears the zone.
00:13:31Urof guides it in.
00:13:35Makar sets up.
00:13:37Shot behind his own net.
00:13:38The outlet to Landisgaard.
00:13:40Drops to Nachush with speed.
00:13:42Through the stick contact of Trinion.
00:13:45Left to the corner Bogosian.
00:13:48Marcus Foligno ahead.
00:13:50Trinion gets to the red line.
00:13:52Sends it hard around.
00:13:53Hoping for Middleton.
00:13:55He beats Taves to the puck.
00:13:57Those two corral in the corner.
00:13:59Trinion tries to dig it out.
00:14:01Taves says no.
00:14:02And he just tosses it on the backhand out of arms wet.
00:14:05Good decision by Taves.
00:14:06Didn't have the entry or the outlet, excuse me.
00:14:08Flips it out.
00:14:09Avs get a change.
00:14:15Makar keeps it moving.
00:14:17Makar tosses one on net.
00:14:19Off the stick of Blackwood.
00:14:20Ends up in front.
00:14:21Scooping one towards the net.
00:14:22Was Nick Foligno.
00:14:24A save by Blackwood.
00:14:26And now McKinnon is hurt.
00:14:28Taves tried to clear that puck.
00:14:30It went right off the face of McKinnon.
00:14:32Square off the mouth.
00:14:36He's bleeding bad.
00:14:37Head trainer Matt Sokolowski comes out.
00:14:44He was maybe 10 feet away from Taves.
00:14:48And took the puck right to the mouth.
00:14:50Hopefully he didn't lose any teeth.
00:14:58Look at some repairs most likely.
00:15:00And then you also have to wonder.
00:15:01He might get pulled by the concussion spotter.
00:15:03Which adds more time that he'd be out of the game.
00:15:08AJ, you've been in this spot.
00:15:10All right.
00:15:10This is...
00:15:13He's defenseless.
00:15:14Knocking McKinnon at least back to the room for now.
00:15:16No, he has no time to react.
00:15:19Taves is just trying to clear that puck in the corner to get it out of harm's way.
00:15:22And that does not feel good.
00:15:26I mean...
00:15:28I won't speculate on what happened.
00:15:30But he...
00:15:32That does not feel too good.
00:15:34You get that right in the mouth.
00:15:35I mean...
00:15:35Taves is...
00:15:37Probably puts that 60 miles an hour right in McKinnon's face.
00:15:54He'll be back, though.
00:15:55That's for sure.
00:15:56He's one top customer.
00:15:58And...
00:15:59Only a minute left in the period.
00:16:01So I expect you'd see him out for the start of the third.
00:16:06Each team with a power play goal.
00:16:07But Colorado out shooting Minnesota.
00:16:1021-11.
00:16:12And they have carried the play at least for the most part of this period.
00:16:16Outside of the last few minutes where there's been some pressure on McKenzie Blackwood.
00:16:21Minnesota went a 19-minute stretch from the end of the first well into the second without a shot on
00:16:27net.
00:16:27Well, they say your special teams and your power play can be indicative of how your 5-on-5 play
00:16:32is going.
00:16:33And Colorado's 5-on-5 play in the second period has been outstanding.
00:16:37And it translated right into their power play.
00:16:39They get the goal.
00:16:40They get momentum.
00:16:41Minnesota's had a little push here at the end of the second.
00:16:44But it's been all abs in the second period.
00:16:46And these are the two highest scoring teams of the playoffs so far.
00:16:49So they're both very difficult to defend.
00:16:52So both teams playing well defensively, obviously, to keep this game scoreless 5-on-5.
00:16:59We've had two power play goals.
00:17:01And that's been it.
00:17:03McCarron wins the draw.
00:17:05Faber creates space.
00:17:07Faber tried to drive the net.
00:17:08It floats off his stick.
00:17:09He recovers behind.
00:17:10Through the check of Kadri.
00:17:13McCarron guides it back.
00:17:14Quinn Hughes accelerates.
00:17:17Hughes peels.
00:17:19That floating shot is blocked by Tabes off the stick of Kaprizov into the netting.
00:17:26Again, tomorrow night on ESPN.
00:17:27The Stanley Cup playoffs presented by Geico continue at 7 p.m.
00:17:32It's game four.
00:17:33The Sabres and Canadiens with Montreal on top two games to one.
00:17:37And then at 9.30, crucial game five between Anaheim and Vegas in a best-of-seven that's deadlocked.
00:17:45At two apiece, Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan will have Buffalo Montreal for you.
00:17:50And John Bucci-Gross will join Kevin Weeks and Stormy Bonantoni for Anaheim-Vegas game five.
00:17:59Boldy retreats.
00:18:01Hughes with 40 seconds to go in the period.
00:18:03Buys some time.
00:18:04The wingers form up.
00:18:06Boldy right back to Hughes.
00:18:09Off the stick of Kaprizov.
00:18:12And McCar.
00:18:13Rink wide to Chushkin.
00:18:15Floats one to the corner.
00:18:17Dueling with Hughes as O'Connor.
00:18:19Faber is there as well.
00:18:21It pops free for Boldy.
00:18:24The outlet.
00:18:25Hartman gains the red line.
00:18:27Driving the middle is Hughes.
00:18:29There's the drop.
00:18:30Kaprizov forehand and save is made by Blockwood.
00:18:34Back to the point.
00:18:34Hughes with a drive.
00:18:36Save made by Blockwood.
00:18:37The rebound chipped to the corner.
00:18:38And it's cleared out of harm's way by Brock Nelson.
00:18:42And that will end the second period deadlocked at one.
00:18:48But Chushkin saved a goal.
00:18:50Boldy had a wide open net.
00:18:52But it's the wild off the rush.
00:18:54It's a hook and ladder on the entry.
00:18:55Kaprizov gets a nice chance.
00:18:57Boldy to the top to Hughes.
00:18:59And then they get to the net.
00:19:00But it's Kaprizov.
00:19:01He tries to go under the stick right there.
00:19:03Cage gets a piece of it.
00:19:05Blackwood kicks it out.
00:19:07We're going to go into the third period.
00:19:09Tied one to one.
00:19:10Here in St. Paul, Bob.
00:19:13Back to the studio.
00:19:14P.K. Subban, Mark Messier, joining John Bucci-Gross.
00:19:17Thank you, Robert.
00:19:19Discover, second intermission report.
00:19:21This game needs a big old jug of Drano to try to clear things up.
00:19:25It's tough sledding five on five.
00:19:27Yeah, you had to know at some point this series was going to get like this.
00:19:31Both teams were going to bear down defensively.
00:19:32They're going to stay out of the penalty box.
00:19:34A couple uncharacteristic mistakes that led to a goal.
00:19:37But we'll break that down, P.K., you and I, with you at the helm.
00:19:40I'm going to be on this iPad here.
00:19:42We got a lot of footage to break down, so.
00:19:44Let's do it.
00:19:45Let's have some fun.
00:19:46Discover, second intermission report.
00:19:47On the way.
00:19:48Yeah, remember, we had 15 goals in game one.
00:19:51Just two so far.
00:19:52Naz Kadri.
00:19:53What happened there?
00:19:54You ever been to the Grand Canyon?
00:19:56I have been to the Grand Canyon.
00:19:57Okay.
00:19:57The boys have some strong opinions on what happened there when we come back.
00:20:07Welcome back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ESPN, presented by Geico.
00:20:12Tied at one as we head to the third period.
00:20:15Game four between the Avalanche and the Wilds.
00:20:19Jesper Volstead, EJ, he has stood tall.
00:20:22It's been an onslaught of times from the Avalanche.
00:20:24It was all abs in the second.
00:20:26If it wasn't for Jesper Volstead, this game could have gotten out of hand in a hurry.
00:20:30He made countless saves after countless saves.
00:20:33But here's the goal.
00:20:34Natchez wins the battle on the wall.
00:20:36And Kadri gets two cracks at it.
00:20:38The abs tie it.
00:20:40And then this is what I love about the abs penalty kill.
00:20:43Watch Burns.
00:20:44Typically defensemen will drift backwards.
00:20:47Burns holds the line, denies the entry.
00:20:49And then McKinnon gets nailed with a clearing attempt by his teammate, Tabes.
00:20:55McKinnon's going to be back out here for the start of the third.
00:20:57And it's a huge third for both teams.
00:20:59Not a ton of room for either team through the neutral zone in the first and second period.
00:21:04It's a ground and pound game here in the third.
00:21:06Going to come down to one play.
00:21:08Been tight checking all night.
00:21:09Expect that to continue in the third period, Bob.
00:21:12That's Eric Johnson on Bob Leshuz and Leah Hextall is with us as well.
00:21:16The neutral zone has been tough sledding all night for both teams.
00:21:20So at five on five, is this simply a chip and chase and go win a battle type game?
00:21:25Or are these two teams still going to try at some point and see if they can make something special
00:21:30happen off the rush?
00:21:32Both teams have such a high emphasis on defending the rush.
00:21:35And there's not a ton of room through the neutral zone.
00:21:38This is going to be one below the dots, especially in this third period where it tightens up.
00:21:42Or will there be a big penalty called?
00:21:45Will there be a power play goal scored in the third period?
00:21:49Or overtime?
00:21:50Who knows?
00:21:51As it's wrapped up the wall, Hartman looks over his shoulder.
00:21:54And a long outlet to Kaprizov, who gathers it in.
00:21:57Kaprizov can't dance past Makar, who wins that battle.
00:22:03Down the wall, Hartman.
00:22:05Taves keeps it same side.
00:22:07Hops along the shelf.
00:22:08Spurgeon races over.
00:22:09Throws one towards the net.
00:22:11That's sailed.
00:22:12Right past the mask of Blackwood.
00:22:17Icing is the call here.
00:22:19Leah Hextall.
00:22:20Bob Nathan McKinnon back on the bench for the Avalanche.
00:22:23And speaking with the team, it didn't look to be his teeth.
00:22:26In fact, it was his nose.
00:22:28So they were able to get him back for the rest of this hockey game.
00:22:31Now, as for the Wild, I spoke with their assistant, Jason King, in the intermission.
00:22:35It's all about getting shots to the net in this third period.
00:22:39You guys have spoke about the neutral zone.
00:22:40They said that they have to find separation.
00:22:43They have to find room for the puck.
00:22:45They can't play east-west.
00:22:46They've got to drive right at the Avalanche and get those pucks on net.
00:22:50Or else they're going to be dead in the water.
00:22:51Well, they win an offensive zone draw here.
00:22:54Hunt to the captain.
00:22:55And Spurgeon pitchforks it deep.
00:22:57McCarrant at his pocket picked by Landis Godd,
00:23:00who goes over and picks up the loose change and sends it all the way down.
00:23:05Once again, we'll have an icing call.
00:23:09The NHL app is your place to get every highlight from every game of every series.
00:23:15Behind-the-scenes playoff content you won't get anywhere else.
00:23:18The most NHL edge advanced stats.
00:23:21The Stanley Cup playoffs are better on the NHL app.
00:23:25Once again, the face-off loose.
00:23:27And it's skated onto by Taves.
00:23:30Off the window, but not past Hughes.
00:23:33Stick handle right along the line.
00:23:35They will say this is a delayed offside call.
00:23:38And that pressure from McCarran forces the whistle.
00:23:44Easier said than done, EJ.
00:23:45To Leah's point, volume shot towards the net.
00:23:48That's what Minnesota wants.
00:23:50But against the team that was number one this season in goals against
00:23:54and is so sound and speedy defensively,
00:23:57how do you create those volume shots to the net
00:24:00if you just can't even move through neutral ice?
00:24:02Well, what the Avs are so good at is maybe a team like Minnesota can get one good chance.
00:24:08They're so good at clearing second and third opportunities and not letting you get
00:24:12maybe that tap-in chance on the backside on a rebound.
00:24:15They've done a great job of letting Mackenzie Blackwood see the puck
00:24:18and not let Minnesota get too many second and third looks.
00:24:22And again, you said it back in the first period.
00:24:24It feels like a game that could be determined on special teams.
00:24:27I feel like unless it's something egregious, you let the players decide this.
00:24:32You want to see it one five-on-five.
00:24:34Unless it's a crazy penalty you have to call, you let these guys play.
00:24:39Nick Waugh outlets Kulak.
00:24:42He sends it deep off the lively end boards.
00:24:44Falstead paddles it back to the corner.
00:24:46Waugh the first to retrieve.
00:24:48Onto the stick of Hughes.
00:24:51Escaping is Boldy.
00:24:52He'll lob in as he gains the red line.
00:24:55Guided wide by the blocker of Mackenzie Blackwood.
00:24:58Brent Burns, the outlet, tape to tape.
00:25:00Michushkin across the line.
00:25:02Sets one up.
00:25:03That shot by Khadri.
00:25:04Blockered away by Ballstead.
00:25:06Kept the lob point to point.
00:25:07Manson McGroom.
00:25:08Wrist shot.
00:25:09That's blocked again in front.
00:25:10Sweeping clear by Tarasenko.
00:25:12After McCarron got the block.
00:25:15Trenyon fought his way through contact.
00:25:17And was able to dump the puck deep.
00:25:19Tarasenko with a steal behind the net.
00:25:21Wrap around.
00:25:22Try.
00:25:22It's loose.
00:25:23Edge of the blue paint.
00:25:24Michushkin tries to clean it up.
00:25:26A shot by McCarron.
00:25:27Blocked in front.
00:25:28He tries again.
00:25:29Another sliding block by Eshawn.
00:25:31Behind the net.
00:25:32It's Trenyon.
00:25:33Feeds one to Tarasenko.
00:25:35Point to point.
00:25:36It goes Middleton to Bogosian.
00:25:38The crowd rising to their feet.
00:25:40They're sensing some pressure from the home team here.
00:25:43McCarron grinds away in the corner.
00:25:45Moves behind the net.
00:25:46McCarron.
00:25:46Wrapp around.
00:25:47Try.
00:25:47Stop.
00:25:48By Mackenzie Blackwood.
00:25:49Finally it's lifted out by Manson.
00:25:54What a sequence for the Wild.
00:25:56They had two or three chances to put it in the back of the net.
00:25:59Blackwood stood his ground.
00:26:00All started with the turnover behind the net.
00:26:02Burns has some trouble with the puck.
00:26:04Pays the price.
00:26:05Met by Nick Foligno.
00:26:06Parker Kelly.
00:26:07Runs right into the cap and Jared Spurgeon.
00:26:10Raymond Hunt races back.
00:26:12Puts on the brakes behind his own net.
00:26:14Pressured by Kiviranta.
00:26:17Somehow escapes.
00:26:18Nico Sturm becomes the safety valve.
00:26:20Gets to the red line.
00:26:22Rims it around.
00:26:23Over the shoulder looking is Kale McCar.
00:26:25But the puck may have caught a piece of the netting on the dump in.
00:26:29Let's see what the call is.
00:26:32We'll take a look at what it is.
00:26:33But the turnover behind the net.
00:26:34Manson fans on it.
00:26:36Tarasenko takes it there.
00:26:37And then all hell breaks loose.
00:26:39It's a scramble in front and it's pure desperation.
00:26:42A Sean with two huge blocks before they can clear the crease.
00:26:46Not one.
00:26:46Not two.
00:26:47And then on the back side.
00:26:48Kadri with the stick lift on Trennan.
00:26:51The Wild could have gone up one.
00:26:53What a sequence of events.
00:26:56The Wild just can't put it home.
00:26:58Great desperation by the abs in front to keep this game tied.
00:27:00It feels like the type of game, EJ, where if a five-on-five goal is going to be scored,
00:27:05it might be of that greasy, hard-working variety as good as these teams have been defensively.
00:27:11Absolutely.
00:27:11Sometimes it just comes down to one play.
00:27:15And that play on the fan behind the net by Manson was almost it.
00:27:19Long shot.
00:27:20Sails over the head of Zuccarello.
00:27:22And all the way back out to the neutral zone.
00:27:24You can tell Minnesota's come out with a little more urgency.
00:27:27It was all Colorado in the second.
00:27:29Minnesota has a little more desperation in their game.
00:27:32They know if they go down 3-1 back to Denver, it's a steep hill to climb.
00:27:36They've come out in the third with a purpose.
00:27:38Teams that win game four and take a 3-1 advantage are 91% historically to go on and win
00:27:45the series.
00:27:46Add in the fact that you're talking about the President's Trophy winning team.
00:27:51A team in Colorado that spent nearly 150 days in a row as the number one overall team in the
00:27:58NHL.
00:28:02143 consecutive days to be exact.
00:28:05Tied for the third longest run with the 83-84 Oilers in terms of spending that much time in the
00:28:14top spot.
00:28:15So you're right.
00:28:16There has to be desperation for Minnesota.
00:28:18Waugh muscles one out in front trying to score a greasy goal of his own.
00:28:22It's poke three.
00:28:23Volstead eventually able to cover.
00:28:25And Ross Colton and Waugh both sticks and gloves up for the abs.
00:28:35Well, Nick Waugh was brought over at the trade deadline from Toronto.
00:28:39He won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
00:28:43And this is the type of game he's brought to the Avalanche.
00:28:46It's below the dots.
00:28:47He's a bigger guy.
00:28:48Ten and white.
00:28:48He stops on his edge right here on Hughes.
00:28:50Hughes, one of the best skaters in the league.
00:28:53Waugh escapes and takes it to the net.
00:28:54Gets a good chance.
00:28:55But that's the depth you need.
00:28:57A guy like Nick Waugh, he scored the game winner in game two in round one against the L.A.
00:29:02Kings in overtime.
00:29:03He adds that depth scoring for the abs.
00:29:06Heck of a shift by him in the third here.
00:29:09Sturm and Kadri on the draw.
00:29:10It pops free to Marcus Foligno.
00:29:13Over to his brother Nick.
00:29:14Rimmed around hoping for Marcus.
00:29:17Sturm picks it up to Nick Foligno.
00:29:20Behind the net, Marcus Foligno.
00:29:21Centering pass.
00:29:21Saved made by Blackwood.
00:29:23And another on Sturm.
00:29:24Terrific setup.
00:29:26And Blackwood with a pair.
00:29:27The beautiful stops.
00:29:35A game-saving sequence of saves by Mackenzie Blackwood.
00:29:40And it wasn't just once or twice.
00:29:42It's behind the net where this starts.
00:29:44And when a goalie has it behind the net that comes out front quick like this, so tough to react.
00:29:49But Blackwood's big, long, and athletic.
00:29:51He gets the right pad on the first one.
00:29:53He gets the right pad on the second one.
00:29:55What a play by Minnesota to Sturm in front.
00:29:58Sturm won a Stanley Cup with the abs in 2022.
00:30:01And almost gets the lead for the Minnesota Wild here in the third.
00:30:04What a save by Blackwood.
00:30:07Part of the Panthers Stanley Cup winning team in 2025 as well was Nico Sturm.
00:30:17Wild have a one-timer setup with Bogosian at the top.
00:30:20Look for them to load him up with a one-timer if they can win this draw clean.
00:30:24They get kicked out of the draw.
00:30:25Excuse me, Bob.
00:30:26Now they switch back to their strong sides.
00:30:28As Trinian lost the draw.
00:30:30And it's lobbed out by Taves.
00:30:33Kicked by Middleton.
00:30:35Not past Kiviranta.
00:30:37Trinian with a hit.
00:30:38Drury able to recover the puck.
00:30:40Drury circles the net.
00:30:42Indirect to Manson.
00:30:44Across to McCarr.
00:30:45McCarr, backdoor cut.
00:30:47Just missing on the tap.
00:30:49Diving for that puck was Drury.
00:30:51McCarr deals one towards the net again.
00:30:52Off the high glass.
00:30:54Over the shoulders of Ballstead.
00:30:55Trenian thought he took a penalty.
00:30:57He looked over at the official right after that play on the back door.
00:31:00He might have got away with one there.
00:31:06Bogosian.
00:31:08Accelerates to the red line.
00:31:11And tosses it over the side glass out of play.
00:31:14It becomes a souvenir.
00:31:18Let's check the NHL calendar tomorrow at 7 Eastern.
00:31:21Buffalo, Montreal.
00:31:22Here on ESPN.
00:31:24They will play game number four.
00:31:26The second half of our doubleheader.
00:31:28A crucial game five.
00:31:29And a deadlocked series between Anaheim and Vegas.
00:31:32Wednesday at 8 Eastern.
00:31:34Game five of this series.
00:31:35And then Montreal and Buffalo on TNT.
00:31:39Thursday at 7 Eastern.
00:31:40We'll play game five as well.
00:31:42Johansson a steal.
00:31:44Good stick by Manson.
00:31:45Checked into the corner.
00:31:46And there's McKinnon.
00:31:47Floats it out to neutral ice.
00:31:50The Hughes-Faber pairing back on the ice.
00:31:53Faber behind the net.
00:31:54Pokes it towards Hughes.
00:31:56Pops over his stick.
00:31:57Landis-Gock.
00:31:57Centering pass.
00:31:58That shot.
00:31:59High and wide.
00:32:04Hughes settles it down.
00:32:05Faber looks ahead.
00:32:06Outlets for Boldy's sweep.
00:32:08But right into the Colorado bench.
00:32:13Still 1-1 here early in the third in St. Paul.
00:32:16Cale McCarr looks for Drury on the backside.
00:32:19Trennan with the stick lift to deny almost 2-1 abs.
00:32:27Family Cup playoffs on ESPN are presented by Geico.
00:32:31It feels good to have a winning team.
00:32:33It feels good to Geico.
00:32:38The physicality that we have seen throughout this series and certainly expected tonight.
00:32:42Not disappointed in game number 4.
00:32:45Bob O'Shughes and Eric Johnson.
00:32:46Leah Hextall.
00:32:48There's McCarran who took that butt end of the stick from Manson in period number 1.
00:32:53Drew the double minor.
00:32:54That resulted in a wild power play goal.
00:32:57That's the only time they've been able to get one past McKenzie Blackwood.
00:33:01Even just clean breakouts tonight.
00:33:04EJ have been tough to come by.
00:33:05Yeah, exactly, Bob.
00:33:06There's another turnover right there.
00:33:08And it pops out of the stick.
00:33:11In front of Brock Nelson.
00:33:14But he didn't get much on the shot.
00:33:16Steered clear by Ballstead.
00:33:18That long wrister by Cale McCarr.
00:33:20Deflects to the high glass.
00:33:21Nelson tracks it down.
00:33:22Nelson has the net.
00:33:23Shoots off the post.
00:33:26Ballstead never saw it, Bob.
00:33:27Never saw it through the screen on the shot by Nelson.
00:33:31Again, Brock Nelson.
00:33:32He must feel somewhat snake pit.
00:33:35Tipped by Waugh.
00:33:36Tries again.
00:33:37Backdoor.
00:33:38Score!
00:33:38Oh, what a pass by Nick Waugh to set up Colton for the go-ahead goal.
00:34:00This all starts behind the net.
00:34:04Ballstead has this puck under control.
00:34:08And he fans on it.
00:34:09And then Colorado goes to work.
00:34:11This is later on in the sequence.
00:34:14But it's the four check by Nelson.
00:34:16He kicks it all the way to the top.
00:34:18You just get it there.
00:34:20Hunt pumps it out to Waugh.
00:34:21He finds Colton on the back side.
00:34:23Shows shot.
00:34:24Ballstead has to respect it.
00:34:26Finds Colton on the back side.
00:34:27Avs have a 2-1 lead on Ross Colton's first goal of the playoffs.
00:34:31And five total points now for Nick Waugh.
00:34:35So that's secondary scoring support that you have to have in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
00:34:40It's been tough to come by at times for Colorado.
00:34:44But Waugh and Colton combine to give the Avs the lead.
00:34:48And here's the play right here.
00:34:49Ballstead tries to move it.
00:34:51It just hops over his stick.
00:34:52The Avs get the Ozone possession from there on out.
00:34:56Later on in the ship, they get the goal.
00:34:58But it all starts on the turnover, on full possession for the Wild.
00:35:01Colton's parked out.
00:35:03He was a little snake pit in the regular season.
00:35:05He's a guy that the Avs need down the stretch here.
00:35:1412.45 to go, third period.
00:35:18Kaprizov across the line.
00:35:19Lost his edge.
00:35:22And Kadri clears the zone.
00:35:27Faber tries to stand up Nachushkin.
00:35:29Nice little shimmy shake and an escape by Hughes.
00:35:33Out of the reach of Hartman.
00:35:35Kulak to the red line.
00:35:37Turns it over at the Wild line, but gets some support from Logan O'Connor.
00:35:42And now Faber snaps a pass to Hughes.
00:35:45Hughes across.
00:35:46Hughes off the stick of Blackwood to the corner.
00:35:49Trenyan tried to send it around the kick plate.
00:35:51Kulak shut that door and clears the zone.
00:35:56Hughes turns up ice.
00:35:59Across the line, Trenyan.
00:36:00For Tarasenko at the goal line.
00:36:02Tried to fire one from an impossible angle.
00:36:06And now he's got it back to Middleton.
00:36:07All right, back to Tarasenko.
00:36:10That shot blocked by Burns.
00:36:12And he'll lob it all the way back to the Minnesota line for the retrieval by Bogosian.
00:36:20The outlet pass to Tarasenko.
00:36:24Trenyan trying to fight his way around to Sean.
00:36:27And we get an icing call.
00:36:33And this building was so loud right before that goal.
00:36:37Colton just sucked the life out of it.
00:36:41With that tap-in goal on the back side.
00:36:45And it was all avalanche in the second.
00:36:48The Wild had a good push to start the third.
00:36:50And then the turnover behind the net.
00:36:53And the Avs get the lead.
00:36:55But plenty of runway left for the Wild to get back in this hockey game.
00:37:0114 consecutive saves at the opposite end as well for Mackenzie Blackwood.
00:37:06But how many of them does it feel like have been really true high danger chances, CJ?
00:37:12It seems like the avalanche have done a wonderful job in front of Blackwood limiting some of the chances for
00:37:18Minnesota.
00:37:19Big time.
00:37:19Those two early in the third where he made the save on the two save sequence from behind the net.
00:37:24Those were his best of the night.
00:37:25Other than that, he hasn't been tested a whole lot.
00:37:29And once again, it's Quinn Hughes cruising back to pick up the puck.
00:37:33Nine minutes gone by, third period.
00:37:36Marcus Foligno across.
00:37:39Sturm drives the net.
00:37:40Sturm, wraparound drive right through the crease.
00:37:44Hughes keeps it onside.
00:37:46Backhanded down low.
00:37:47Oh, Sturm!
00:37:49Oh, what a setup by Quinn Hughes!
00:37:52We're tied!
00:38:10What a response by the Minnesota Wild.
00:38:12They've come the entire length of the ice.
00:38:15But watch Hughes on the left side of your screen.
00:38:17Most defensemen put this down the wall.
00:38:19And that's what Watt thinks is happening.
00:38:21Nope.
00:38:22Hughes reads it, cuts to the top, and it's a perfect backhand.
00:38:27And watch 43.
00:38:28Most guys put this back down the wall.
00:38:30He takes the open ice to the top.
00:38:32Sturm gets open on the backside.
00:38:34A perfect pass from Quinn Hughes.
00:38:36And the one-timer by Sturm to tie this game at two.
00:38:41After Ross Colton scores his first goal of the playoffs,
00:38:45Nico Sturm with his third career playoff goal
00:38:49and the first in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.
00:38:53So a couple of somewhat unlikely goal scorers.
00:38:57Trade tallies here in the third.
00:38:58The lob.
00:39:00And Brent Burns ready for that alley-oop.
00:39:02Beat Joe Hanson at the puck.
00:39:03Tries to spring O'Connor.
00:39:04O'Connor moves in.
00:39:06He controls.
00:39:06Shoot.
00:39:07Saved made by Volstead.
00:39:09That's a huge save from Jesper Volstead.
00:39:11On O'Connor.
00:39:12A near answer.
00:39:13Man, O'Connor's been good tonight.
00:39:15That drive goes wide from Burns.
00:39:19O'Connor to the half wall to Khadri.
00:39:22Khadri.
00:39:23Cross corner hoping for O'Connor.
00:39:24He's met by Spurgeon but wins it back to Burns.
00:39:28Burns towards the net again.
00:39:29Loose.
00:39:30Volstead.
00:39:31Goes belly flop and gets some support.
00:39:33As Spurgeon got the puck off the edge of the crease.
00:39:36Wound around.
00:39:37Kulak hustle to keep it alive.
00:39:40Rink wide Nachushkin.
00:39:41A little pirouette.
00:39:43Now Nachushkin puts on the brakes.
00:39:45Nachushkin with some sauce up top.
00:39:47Makar walks it in.
00:39:48Saved made.
00:39:49Doing the splits.
00:39:50Hand on his back now.
00:39:51His Volstead.
00:39:53Hand gets the whistle.
00:39:54Wow.
00:39:55Colorado had Minnesota on the ropes.
00:40:04Colton gives the Avs a one goal lead on the back door.
00:40:08And then at the other end, it's Hughes all the way to Sturm.
00:40:11We're tied here in St. Paul 2-2.
00:40:13I can't shame.
00:40:16Won't you fly.
00:40:17Now at...
00:40:18This is a heavyweight bout between two of the best teams in the National Hockey League.
00:40:23It's Europe with the tip.
00:40:24And then it's Kadri to tie it up on the power play.
00:40:28Both teams exchange power play goals.
00:40:30Colton gives the Avs the lead on the beautiful fake shot from moi to Colton.
00:40:35And then moments later, the perfect backhander with the tough angle to Sturm.
00:40:412-2.
00:40:43Buckle up, Bob.
00:40:43We're in for a good one the rest of the way these last 10 minutes.
00:40:46After these two teams combined, for the better part of 45 minutes to 50 minutes of no 5-on-5
00:40:53offense,
00:40:54we get a couple of 5-on-5 goals.
00:40:56And we are now tied once again.
00:40:59McKinnon goes to work behind the net.
00:41:01Checked in the corner.
00:41:03Skates to stick.
00:41:05Gathered by Landeskog.
00:41:06Back to the point.
00:41:06Tabes across to Makar.
00:41:08That wrist shot blocked right back on his stick.
00:41:10Hartman is there to hound Makar.
00:41:12He unloads to Tabes in the slot.
00:41:14Natchez.
00:41:15The wheel-around shot blocked out to the neutral zone.
00:41:20As we approach, 9 minutes to go in regulation time.
00:41:23Blub by Volstead.
00:41:25Played by Hughes.
00:41:26Quinn Hughes.
00:41:27The outlet to Zuccarello.
00:41:29He'll lob in cross corner.
00:41:31A bouncing puck off the tip of the stick of Tabes.
00:41:33Puts it behind the net.
00:41:34Makar has it.
00:41:35Keeps it moving to Marty Natchez.
00:41:37Lob center circle.
00:41:39That should be a hand pass.
00:41:41Off the glove of Landeskog.
00:41:43Swept by Drury.
00:41:47After the game.
00:41:48Stay tuned for SportsCenter.
00:41:50David Lloyd will have the night in the NBA and NHL playoffs.
00:41:53The latest from Major League Baseball.
00:41:56As well, as soon as we're done.
00:41:57Who knows how long it might take between Colorado and Minnesota in game number four.
00:42:03But SportsCenter is next.
00:42:06You might have to cancel that red-eye, Bob.
00:42:09I was hoping to spend maximum quality time with you.
00:42:12I don't believe you.
00:42:13My dream is coming true.
00:42:14Uh-huh.
00:42:14Bogosian, the intercept by Drury.
00:42:18Well recovered by Middleton.
00:42:20Drury gloves it down.
00:42:21Kelly.
00:42:22Score!
00:42:23Parker Kelly with the quick release off the feed from Drury.
00:42:28Colorado back on top.
00:42:36What a shot by Parker Kelly.
00:42:38No points in this series until now.
00:42:41It's the turnover by Bogosian because Kelly pressures him on the forecheck.
00:42:46And watch the pass from Drury.
00:42:47And it's the quick release by Kelly.
00:42:49Kelly Ballstead picks this puck up late with 17 and White's parked right in the middle.
00:42:54Doesn't get all of it.
00:42:55But Ballstead doesn't see it.
00:42:57Kelly gets his first of the playoffs.
00:42:59The Avs are up 3-2 late here in the third.
00:43:03So the last three goals all scored by players that had yet to score a goal in the playoffs this
00:43:08year.
00:43:09And now Minnesota in a position where they're looking for another answer.
00:43:15Will they get it?
00:43:16Quinn Hughes put that right off the back.
00:43:18That's Brock Faber.
00:43:20So McCarron tries the near side.
00:43:23Winning that race was Kulak.
00:43:25Picking it up Tarasenko.
00:43:27Across the line, Faber.
00:43:29Faber's centering pass.
00:43:30Hoping for McCarron.
00:43:31Waugh turns the other way.
00:43:33And it's stashed deep.
00:43:35After it hit the official by Colton.
00:43:37Tries again.
00:43:39All the way around the boards to Manson.
00:43:42Towards the net.
00:43:43Redirected wide.
00:43:44Brock Nelson.
00:43:44Got his stick on that puck.
00:43:48Faber.
00:43:49Off the back of the net.
00:43:50So it deadens there.
00:43:51Forced to play the puck.
00:43:52He lost his stick.
00:43:54Has to race back over to pick it up.
00:43:57Tabes instead left point.
00:43:58Long shot.
00:43:59Deflected wide once again.
00:44:02Hanson activates.
00:44:05Kadri.
00:44:06First to the puck.
00:44:07Back to Tabes.
00:44:09Nochushkin a one-timer.
00:44:10Blocked and that hurt Johansson.
00:44:13O'Connor.
00:44:14Sets up Kadri.
00:44:16The pressure continues for Colorado with the lead.
00:44:19Good stick though by Tarasenko.
00:44:20And that group from Minnesota needs a change.
00:44:29Taves plays the waiting game.
00:44:31As the avalanche changes well.
00:44:33McKinnon gloves it down.
00:44:34A bouncing puck that he had a tough time handling.
00:44:37And now gathers it in and gets it deep.
00:44:39Natchez wins it from Spurgeon.
00:44:42Marty Natchez gets the cycle going.
00:44:44Landis Gogg at the half wall.
00:44:46Wines it deep.
00:44:47Natchez trying to protect it.
00:44:49Spurgeon fighting to take it away.
00:44:52Danilo Uroff does take it away.
00:44:54Gloved down by Makar.
00:44:57Can't keep it onside.
00:44:58Johansson can't work it past Makar.
00:45:00Now it pops free.
00:45:01And Boldy with some room.
00:45:03Uroff drives the net.
00:45:03There's the pass.
00:45:05Perfectly defended.
00:45:07And now Landis Gogg was on a stick.
00:45:13McKinnon shaking up again as well.
00:45:15Slowly to the bench.
00:45:16Across the line.
00:45:17Boldy tries to split the defense.
00:45:19Kelly gloves it down.
00:45:21Hughes.
00:45:21A little pirouette.
00:45:22Turns it over.
00:45:24Giviranta the other way.
00:45:25Faber back defensively.
00:45:26Giviranta shoots.
00:45:27Save ball step.
00:45:28And covers.
00:45:34So Parker Kelly right there.
00:45:36He's the goal scorer.
00:45:37But he also forechecks and causes the turnover.
00:45:40When you're a defenseman going back for a puck like Bogosian is.
00:45:43You can feel the pressure.
00:45:45He turns it over.
00:45:46Parker Kelly parks himself right in the middle of the ice.
00:45:49But watch the pressure.
00:45:51Bogosian feels it.
00:45:52Drury reads it.
00:45:53And then the abs go to work.
00:45:54They end up getting this puck back again on the turnover by Minnesota.
00:45:58And it's the one-timer right off the blade by Kelly.
00:46:00That pulls Ballston over the glove.
00:46:03Perfectly executed by the depth line of Colorado.
00:46:06And a goal that they needed from the bottom part of their lineup to go up one.
00:46:10And they win another draw.
00:46:13Nick Waugh.
00:46:14Checked by Hartman.
00:46:15Down to his knees.
00:46:16But still controls the puck right back to his skate blades.
00:46:19And they get the cycle going.
00:46:22Brent Burns right point.
00:46:24Wrist shot.
00:46:24Save ball step.
00:46:25The rebound.
00:46:26Trying to.
00:46:26Corral it was Colton.
00:46:28And he chops it behind the net.
00:46:30Colton almost pulled that puck back to his fore.
00:46:32And instead it's Kaprizov racing ahead.
00:46:35Kaprizov across the line.
00:46:37All the way to the right wing corner.
00:46:38Tried to center.
00:46:39Choked on net.
00:46:41Overskating the puck was Brock Faber.
00:46:43And Sturm can't keep it onside.
00:46:45Delayed offside call.
00:46:47Forcing the Wild to tag up.
00:46:48And they will change at that.
00:46:525.
00:46:535.20 to go.
00:46:54In the third period.
00:46:55The outlet for Sturm.
00:46:58Instead it's Manson.
00:47:01Kulak dumps it hard around.
00:47:03Middleton tries to leave it for Marcus Felina.
00:47:08Sturm leverages it out to the red line.
00:47:10Manson turns it right back off the right wing glass.
00:47:13It's past Middleton.
00:47:15Reaches the goal line.
00:47:16Icing is the call.
00:47:19And we have reached the final 5 minutes.
00:47:21Brought to you by Kayak.
00:47:26And the Wild put out.
00:47:28Boldy, Hartman and Kaprizov.
00:47:30Hughes in favor of the two defensemen at the top.
00:47:34They're loading up their big unit of 5 here.
00:47:36And the key is possession.
00:47:40They're out there against one of the Colorado second lines.
00:47:43If Minnesota's top line could get some momentum here.
00:47:46And wear down this Colorado line.
00:47:49Especially with their big line out here.
00:47:51But the key is off this draw.
00:47:52Colorado will try and win this and flip it out.
00:47:55Minnesota needs this draw.
00:47:57Hartman and Kadri.
00:48:02Kadri wins it.
00:48:04And that allows the Kulak escape.
00:48:07Stashes it in.
00:48:08And those tired players.
00:48:10For the abs all peel off.
00:48:12For the needed change.
00:48:13Really good poise by Kulak on the breakout.
00:48:17Tabes.
00:48:18Lobs it right back out to the red line.
00:48:21As we approach.
00:48:22Four and a half minutes to go.
00:48:24In regulation time.
00:48:28Minnesota desperate for an equalizer.
00:48:31And now the crowd gets a souvenir.
00:48:37Parker Kelly scores his first career Stanley Cup playoff goal.
00:48:40And it came at the most important time.
00:48:42Late in the third period.
00:48:44Kelly with the one-timer to put the abs up one.
00:48:46The only one in the right place.
00:48:49Are you going to go my way?
00:48:52This is right before Parker's Kelly scores.
00:48:54But I want you to watch Pagosian 24.
00:48:57As a defenseman, he knows Parker Kelly's coming.
00:49:00He wants to take this puck and put it all the way up the ice.
00:49:03But he looks over his shoulder right there.
00:49:05He sees Kelly coming.
00:49:06Which makes him toss the puck up.
00:49:08He knows he's going to get hit.
00:49:10The puck lingers around a little bit more.
00:49:12There's another turnover on the wall.
00:49:14And Jack Drury sets up his line mate, Parker Kelly, for the one-timer.
00:49:18But it starts on the turnover all because of the avalanche four checking pressure by Parker Kelly.
00:49:24And EJ, how about Parker Kelly having that instinct that once he creates that turnover,
00:49:31he immediately floats back up to kind of that quiet ice.
00:49:35And is just thinking shot and trusts Jack Drury to get him the puck.
00:49:39It's called reloading.
00:49:41Kelly's first in, and then he gets out.
00:49:44Drury comes in, and then he's first in.
00:49:47It's a constant interchange, and it's perfectly executed by the Avs' fourth line.
00:49:55And Minnesota now execute in the last minute.
00:49:58Four minutes and 15 seconds to get a game-time goal.
00:50:02Boldy, first to the puck in the left-wing corner.
00:50:05Chips it along the shelf.
00:50:07Kaprizov right back to Boldy.
00:50:09Boldy creates space.
00:50:10Muscles one out in front.
00:50:12Faber with room.
00:50:13Wrist shot.
00:50:14Blocks.
00:50:14Out of play.
00:50:18Faber couldn't believe that tip did go in.
00:50:21He had all the lane to shoot it in there.
00:50:24The puck just deflected up.
00:50:27But if the Wilder are going to tie this thing up,
00:50:29they're going to need Faber and Hughes to go to work at the top.
00:50:31Blackwood's made a bunch of key saves,
00:50:33especially at the start of the third period.
00:50:35He's going to get tested late.
00:50:38Four minutes even.
00:50:39And every face-off is, you would imagine, a set play,
00:50:43especially in the offensive zone for Minnesota.
00:50:48The deer in a spread.
00:50:51Colorado's going to try and chip this out.
00:50:53They win it clean.
00:50:54Kept alive.
00:50:55Thrown.
00:50:55Off the pad of Blackwood by Zuccarello.
00:51:01Landisgog.
00:51:02With the one-goal lead.
00:51:04Chip and chase.
00:51:05Down to the goal line.
00:51:06Controls it.
00:51:07And sweeps it behind the net.
00:51:09There is Hughes.
00:51:10Circling his own cage.
00:51:12Quinn Hughes.
00:51:13Back to Faber.
00:51:14Faber ahead.
00:51:15Guided in by Tarasenko.
00:51:17Blackwood slows it.
00:51:19Burns the outlet.
00:51:20Landisgog again.
00:51:22Content to get to the red line and make sure the puck gets deep.
00:51:26Spurgeon and Kiviranta.
00:51:27Joust.
00:51:28Danilo, you're off.
00:51:30Off the boards.
00:51:33And once again, Spurgeon forced back.
00:51:36Hunt.
00:51:37Lost it to Drury, who throws it cross-corner.
00:51:40Manson.
00:51:42Chips it down the wall.
00:51:44As we approach three minutes remaining in regulation time.
00:51:49Marcus Foligno.
00:51:52Out lets Spurgeon hunt across the line.
00:51:54And that lobs to the near corner.
00:51:57Marcus Foligno the first to it.
00:51:58No one home at the right point.
00:52:00Parker Kelly content to put it out to the wild line.
00:52:05Hughes was late getting on the ice there, Bob.
00:52:07He was late getting on the ice.
00:52:08That's why the wild couldn't keep that puck in.
00:52:11We'll see when Falstead starts to look over to the bench.
00:52:14Quinn Hughes banks it deep.
00:52:17McCarr behind the net.
00:52:18Chips it along the wall.
00:52:19Overskated by Faber.
00:52:21And that, of course, is McCarran.
00:52:22Out for the retrieval at the wild line.
00:52:25He'll drop it back to Quinn Hughes.
00:52:272.22 to go.
00:52:29Falstead leaning towards the bench, but staying in the crease so far.
00:52:33Because the wild can't get the puck deep.
00:52:3532 minutes of ice time for Quinn Hughes.
00:52:38As he tosses it cross-corner.
00:52:42Holdy has the puck.
00:52:43Holdy protects it.
00:52:45Snap wide.
00:52:45Off the end boards.
00:52:47It nearly tarams behind Blackwood.
00:52:49Faber put it off the glass.
00:52:51And now O'Connor the other way.
00:52:53Protects it.
00:52:54Wants to kill some time.
00:52:55Under 2 minutes to go.
00:53:01Kaprizov to Hughes.
00:53:03Hooks a pass back.
00:53:05There goes Falstead to the bench.
00:53:07Hartman makes sure to get the puck hard around.
00:53:10The net empty for the wild.
00:53:12Chipped by Burns, but not out.
00:53:14Waiting for it.
00:53:15Far side, Hartman.
00:53:17Burns.
00:53:18Up the boards.
00:53:19Natchez can't clear.
00:53:21Kept by Boldy.
00:53:23Waiting for it.
00:53:24At the half wall is Landiskov.
00:53:26Gloved down by Kaprizov.
00:53:28Thrown towards the net by Zuccarello.
00:53:30Taves in the corner.
00:53:32Clears towards the empty net.
00:53:33And it will go wide.
00:53:35An icing whistle with a minute 14 to go.
00:53:41Well, Jared Bednar was questioned for his decision to start McKenzie Blackwood.
00:53:45And boy, has he proved him right.
00:53:47Especially with his big saves in the third period.
00:53:49That comes live off the end wall.
00:53:52He realizes it.
00:53:53And he doesn't put his foot back.
00:53:55Or it might have bounced in.
00:53:56He turns his pad and angles it to the corner.
00:54:00Minnesota is going to take their time out.
00:54:03All of their best offensive weapons were on the ice towards the end of that shift.
00:54:09So, John Hines gets them a breather.
00:54:12And they'll also draw up the set play.
00:54:15So, before the game, there's always a six on five.
00:54:20Which Minnesota is going over right now.
00:54:22And there's a five on six meeting.
00:54:24Which Colorado is going over right now.
00:54:26Each team has a meeting for this situation specifically.
00:54:30Colorado has different face-offs that they'll run on the breakout.
00:54:34Sometimes they run a strong side up.
00:54:35Where they just try and flip the puck off the glass.
00:54:38Sometimes they run a fake strong side.
00:54:40Where they fake up the glass and go behind the net.
00:54:42Minnesota has their plays.
00:54:44Colorado has their plays.
00:54:45They're just going over as a refresher right now.
00:54:49And obviously it all hinges on who wins the draw.
00:54:54In Colorado's end.
00:55:18Minnesota has won eight of ten face-offs here in the third period.
00:55:25Hartman, Landisgaard.
00:55:26Vital face-off here to the left of Blackwood.
00:55:35Hartman gets tossed.
00:55:37Wow.
00:55:37I can't believe they kicked Hartman out.
00:55:39So, Boldy will have to move in.
00:55:42Huge advantage for Colorado.
00:55:44With Landisgaard the lefty against Boldy the lefty.
00:55:47Landisgaard's on his strong sides.
00:55:50Holdy lost the draw.
00:55:52Tabes can't clear.
00:55:54A good stick by Hartman in the corner.
00:55:56Landisgaard to the wall.
00:55:57Faber tries to keep it alive.
00:55:5950-50 puck.
00:56:00And McKinnon forced it out.
00:56:03Quinn Hughes to the red line.
00:56:05Back in behind Blackwood with a minute to go.
00:56:07Blackwood had a tough time handling the puck.
00:56:09But Tabes was there.
00:56:11And now it's out of play.
00:56:18So, EJ, we go right back where we were a moment ago.
00:56:22A draw to the left of Blackwood.
00:56:24And Hartman will get another opportunity.
00:56:28And they flip-flop Landisgaard for Nelson.
00:56:37Hartman kicks the puck back.
00:56:40Faber plays it deep.
00:56:41Hartman broke his stick.
00:56:42He's going to the bench.
00:56:44Natchez tries to clear.
00:56:45Kaprizov meets him.
00:56:47It goes point-to-point.
00:56:48Room for Faber.
00:56:49Shoots wide.
00:56:51Boldy at the half wall.
00:56:53Hoping for Hughes.
00:56:54Pick-free by Natchez.
00:56:56Center circle.
00:56:57Sets up McKinnon.
00:56:59Scars into the empty net.
00:57:05McKinnon puts this one away, it seems, for Colorado with a half minute to go.
00:57:14Faber just misses at the other end.
00:57:18And then the abs pick up the loose change.
00:57:21Hughes pinches.
00:57:22Natchez with the great poise.
00:57:23He knows where McKinnon is.
00:57:26And McKinnon gets his sixth goal of the playoffs to put the abs up too late here as the fans
00:57:31head for the exit.
00:57:35What a game, though.
00:57:37I mean, this was up for grabs up until the third period.
00:57:39Both teams traded back and forth.
00:57:43After an inspiring win, and you can see the blood still coming out of the nose of McKinnon, struck by
00:57:49a puck towards the end of the second period, but got patched up, came out, played the entire third period,
00:57:57and scores into the empty net.
00:58:00Ballstead quickly to the bench, but now the Wilds need a miracle.
00:58:04But now the Wilds need a miracle.
00:58:04Boldy across the line.
00:58:06Toss towards the net.
00:58:07Blackwood rolls up.
00:58:09And to the blue paint.
00:58:10Blackwood does the splits.
00:58:11The puck's still loose.
00:58:12And the officials give the avalanche the whistle.
00:58:24Well, Minnesota trying to get a quick one.
00:58:27In the last 25 seconds, gets a great chance.
00:58:30Blackwood makes maybe another of his best of the night.
00:58:33Right in front of the crease.
00:58:35Minnesota faces a steep hill to climb with 17.9 to go and a two-goal deficit.
00:58:42And they almost need an immediate goal off this draw from Hartman just to have a chance to set things
00:58:47up.
00:58:49That's center ice.
00:58:50And have enough time to get another chance on Blackwood.
00:58:54The puck loose.
00:58:55Landis Scott tries to dig it free.
00:58:57Ends up behind the net.
00:58:58Boldy throws one out in front, hoping for a bank shot.
00:59:01Instead, it's sent towards the empty net by Nelson.
00:59:03And he scores.
00:59:09So this series will head back to Denver with a chance for the avalanche to move on to the conference
00:59:15final.
00:59:23Yep, the avalanche to go back to Denver with a three-to-one series lead.
00:59:28As Nelson gets the second empty netter of the game for the avalanche.
00:59:34It's a steep mountain to climb if you're the Minnesota Wild and you have to try and win three in
00:59:40a row against the Avs.
00:59:42And now Kimmy Ronta going at it with Marcus Foligno.
00:59:47Frustration from Foligno, which you certainly can understand.
00:59:52But this series is now a dominant 3-1 lead for the President's Trophy team.
00:59:59The Colorado Avalanche.
01:00:03After losing in lopsided fashion in game number three, five to two, are able to respond.
01:00:13You got to give him, McKenzie Blackwood, a ton of credit and Jared Bednar a ton of credit for going
01:00:18with McKenzie Blackwood.
01:00:19Bednar was questioned for this decision to go away from Scott Wedgwood.
01:00:23And boy, did McKenzie Blackwood answer the bell and come up with a huge game for Colorado to take a
01:00:29three-to-one series lead.
01:00:30And he was unreal for the Avs.
01:00:35And now the Wild will be in true desperation mode as this series will go back to Ball Arena.
01:00:44Game five will be Wednesday at 8 Eastern on TNT with the Avalanche a win away from advancing to the
01:00:53Western Conference Final.
01:00:54Of course, Carolina sweeping away Philadelphia.
01:00:58They have yet to lose.
01:01:00So the Canes will have a long wait, potentially, to find out whether it'll be Montreal or Buffalo that they
01:01:05will take on in the Eastern Conference Final.
01:01:08But ultimately, the game-winning goal was scored by Parker Kelly, and he's standing by with Leah.
01:01:13That it was, Bob.
01:01:14Parker, a great time to score your first of these playoffs.
01:01:16And you did so on five-on-five in a game where we didn't even know if that was possible
01:01:21due to what was going on in the neutral zone.
01:01:22How were you guys able to generate?
01:01:24Yeah, just, I mean, it was so tight.
01:01:27Not a lot of room out there, and, you know, the four-check was really good for us tonight.
01:01:32So, I mean, it was great play by Jack.
01:01:33He gets him on his back, gloves it down, and then just throws it to me.
01:01:36And, yeah, it didn't really look.
01:01:38Just kind of threw it in there, and it goes in.
01:01:40But it was just a great job from all 20 guys.
01:01:42And, yeah, now we get to go home and got a chance to close it out.
01:01:45You do have a chance.
01:01:46But winning that fourth game is the hardest win of a series.
01:01:50Is there still room to elevate on this Avs team?
01:01:53Yeah, absolutely.
01:01:53I think every game it's just growing the process, what we've been talking about since training camp.
01:01:58So the details, the focus, the 200-foot game, that's just going to, you know, keep growing in our direction.
01:02:04And we just want to keep it going.
01:02:06Thank you, Parker.
01:02:07Congratulations.
01:02:08Yeah, thank you.
01:02:08Bob?
01:02:10So after the Avalanche lost 5-1 in game number three, they respond with a 5-2 win
01:02:17and deliver the Minnesota Wild, their first home loss of the playoffs.
01:02:28It was a terrific game four.
01:02:31What awaits in game five?
01:02:32We'll find out.
01:02:33For Eric Johnson and Leah Hextall, I'm Bob Weschusen.
01:02:35So long from St. Paul.
01:02:37It's time now for SportsCenter.
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